Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term usage history by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can offer about a three-month detection period for various substances. The collection process is straightforward, making it hard to tamper with, and it’s easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for initial screening and follow-up testing. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage of processing where a sample is entered into the lab system. This process confirms the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry if not provided by an electronic custody system.
Screening performs an initial check for drug abuse indicators. This cost-efficient step helps eliminate drug use suspicion in most samples. However, if an initial positive is found, it requires further confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that show a preliminary positive in Screening proceed to the next confirmation step.
Should the Screening phase indicate a presumptive positive, additional hair from the same specimen is used for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods such as urine or oral fluids, presenting a unique challenge that makes hair drug testing a complex procedure.
Confirmation of positive presumptive results is done using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary samples are cleansed post-Screening for accurate Confirmation. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the process is monitored following the guidelines set by CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine testing in Earle, AR, the former emerges as the preferred choice. Hair testing offers an edge in detection accuracy and reliability, making it superior in identifying drug use.
The benefits of hair testing over urine tests are clear. Its extended detection window and reduced tampering opportunities mark it as a top contender in modern drug-testing needs, conferring on it a higher trustworthiness among stakeholders.
Hair follicle testing in Earle, AR, is unparalleled in revealing long-term substance history. Its detection window, extending up to 90 days, is a major advantage, providing a more substantial view of an individual’s past drug use.
This extensive window ensures employers have a comprehensive understanding of candidates’ behaviors over time, which can play a crucial role in hiring decisions, ensuring a drug-free workplace environment.
Earle, AR, sees a marked benefit from utilizing hair follicle tests thanks to their tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly limit sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unequivocal results.
The robust nature of hair testing offers a secure method to maintain integrity of results. With less risk of manipulation, stakeholders trust the findings, making hair tests ideal for high-stakes environments.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenience through its Nationwide and local locations in Earle, AR. With numerous centers, accessing testing services becomes hassle-free, enhancing user experience.
The widespread availability of testing centers ensures everyone can undertake the testing process seamlessly. These locations are operationally designed to facilitate quick testing procedures.
In Earle, AR, hair follicle testing is characterized by its simple and confidential process. Ordering, undertaking, and receiving results are straightforward, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
This straightforward process includes ensuring patient privacy is respected and upheld, making participation in testing a less daunting endeavor for all involved parties.
Our competitive pricing structures in Earle, AR, are designed to offer excellent value. With fast turnaround times, companies, regardless of size, gain confidence with hair testing.
Providing cost-effective solutions, coupled with quick result processing, ensures that businesses can implement drug-testing policies without incurring prohibitive costs.
The precision and promptness of hair follicle drug tests in Earle, AR, are unmatched. Each test is renowned for its ability to accurately detect a range of substances, giving it a standout reputation over conventional methods.
Quick, reliable results are a hallmark of hair testing. With hair follicle tests, employers are assured of receiving accurate outcomes swiftly, facilitating informed decision-making regarding their workforce.
Employers in Earle, AR, find solace in requiring hair follicle tests for substance checks, aligning with workplace policies mandating drug-free practices. This ensures regulatory compliance and supports a safe work environment.
Such testing not only eliminates potential legal risks but also enhances overall workplace morale by confirming adherence to necessary safety standards and reducing potential drug-related incidents among staff.
