Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended record by preserving biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. By sampling hair from close to the scalp, it's possible to attain an approximate window of three months for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, results in 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding ten panels, a specimen of 150mg is required. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four key phases in processing a drug test in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This entails authenticating the sample's sealing and shipping, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening encompasses a swift evaluation for substance misuse. Although an economical way to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples with a preliminary positive result from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Presumptive positives in the Screening are subjected to additional hair being retrieved from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this stage, substances are extracted from hair with a lesser concentration in contrast to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which underscores why hair drug analysis is among the toughest methods to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample showing a presumptive positive in Screening gets cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized and complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination targets the hair strands, not the roots beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dryden, AR
Hair testing provides better accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests.
Post-screening insights are sharper with hair analyses.
Extended Detection Window in Dryden, AR
Hair follicle tests track drug usage history up to 90 days back.
Whether evaluating job candidates or current staff, the extended window reveals more.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dryden, AR
Hair testing significantly reduces adulteration risks.
Knowing tests aren't easily tampered with is vital.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Dryden, AR
Our testing centers are accessible, ensuring hassle-free testing.
Local residents benefit from nearby facilities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dryden, AR
The hair testing process is straightforward and confidential.
Handling of results respects personal privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dryden, AR
Our competitive pricing structure offers great value.
Tailored packages meet various budget needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dryden, AR
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed in detecting substance use.
Employers appreciate the speed and definitive results hair tests provide.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dryden, AR
Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free policies.
These tests offer reassurance against drug-related incidents.