Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a lengthy timeline of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within their fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month period for drug and alcohol detection. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. While discussing head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although cost-effective in excluding drug use for most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples testing positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Elm Springs, AR is a question of accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide more dependable detection than traditional urine tests. The extended period over which hair retains drugs allows more comprehensive insight into substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Elm Springs, AR is a distinct advantage in hair follicle testing. Long after drugs are metabolized and expelled from the body, traces remain in hair, detectable for up to 90 days. This gives companies a holistic view of an individual's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Elm Springs, AR enhances the reliability of findings. Hair follicle tests offer an effective way to cut down on sample tampering. Unlike other methods, it's much harder to adulterate a hair sample, ensuring results remain trustworthy and unadulterated.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations including Elm Springs, AR ensure accessibility for clients. Accredited Drug Testing provides nationwide centers that offer effortless access to services. With locations spreading across the country, testing becomes a straightforward and efficient experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Elm Springs, AR underscores the user-friendly approach of hair testing. Clients can order tests easily and remain confident in the privacy of their information. The process is designed to alleviate concerns, providing both simplicity and confidentiality throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Elm Springs, AR emphasize value in drug testing services. Clients benefit from competitive pricing models, allowing organizations of all sizes to maintain drug-free workplaces without financial strain. Additionally, rapid results mean faster operational decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Elm Springs, AR are paramount for ensuring a drug-free environment. Hair follicle drug tests excel in precision and speed when identifying substance use, making them superior to alternative methods. The process reliably detects a wide range of substances, offering high accuracy in test outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Elm Springs, AR is achievable with hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal concerns and promoting safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workplace maintains a compliant and secure environment.
