Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer an extended historical record of alcohol and drug intake by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair may provide insights into alcohol and drug use covering up to a 3-month timeframe. Sampling hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands, roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil, near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG extensions, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps involved in laboratory processing of a drug test sample include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's framework. This task involves ensuring the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid test for the presence of addictive substances. While Screening is an economical means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is among the most intricate methodologies.
Verification of any positive Screening outcomes occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed as necessary prior to confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests in Etowah, AR are significant. Hair tests provide a broader detection window, capturing drug use history over 90 days as opposed to a few days with urine.
Furthermore, hair testing ensures a higher degree of accuracy, reducing the likelihood of tampered samples. In comparison, urine tests are more susceptible to adulteration, making hair tests the superior choice for reliable results.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days, providing valuable insights into long-term substance use. This extended window is crucial for employers looking for a comprehensive view.
Through hair testing, employers in Etowah, AR have the ability to assess an applicant's or employee's historical substance use, offering a broader perspective on their lifestyle choices.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Etowah, AR is its resistance to tampering. The collection process ensures minimal risk of adulteration, as samples are collected under supervision.
This method offers trustworthy and reliable results, providing peace of mind for employers and judicial systems that rely on these definitive tests to maintain integrity and safety standards.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing locations, including facilities in Etowah, AR, ensuring easy access to hair follicle testing services.
Our expansive network guarantees quick and hassle-free testing processes, allowing businesses and individuals to obtain necessary tests without delay, enhancing efficiency and satisfaction.
The process for hair follicle testing in Etowah, AR is simple and confidential. The streamlined procedure ensures ease of ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results, safeguarding privacy at every step.
The confidentiality of the testing process respects individual privacy concerns, making it a trusted option for individuals and businesses alike.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Etowah, AR both affordable and efficient for organizations of all sizes.
Our cost-effective testing solutions provide exceptional value, giving companies the peace of mind of reliable testing without the financial burden.
Hair follicle testing in Etowah, AR is distinguished for its speed and accuracy. Results are available quickly, and the process offers a precise assessment of substance use. This method excels in reliably detecting various substances, making it a trustworthy option.
Boasting high detection accuracy, hair follicle tests reduce the chances of false positives or negatives. This provides confidence in the results, offering transparency and assurance for both employers and individuals.
Employers in Etowah, AR gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposure.
By implementing hair testing, businesses can enhance workplace safety. This reliable testing method upholds both compliance and employee health, fostering a secure work environment.
