Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers a prolonged tracking of alcohol and other substances. When taken near the scalp, hair can cover a period of up to roughly 90 days for detecting alcohol and substances. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (analogous to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg—the perfect quantity for analysis and verification. For testing EtG, additional testing, and/or assessments over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It’s advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types like facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The primary procedures in the lab processing of drug tests encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process confirms that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not handled by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legitimate in legal scenarios. Any samples indicating a potential positive during Screening need a confirmatory test.
For samples preliminarily positive at the Screening phase, more hair is obtained from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, substances are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug tests are among the most challenging to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Evansville, AR, the former offers superior detection accuracy. Hair testing captures a broader range of drug use over an extended timeframe, surpassing urine tests in identifying patterns of substance consumption. Employers benefit from the increased reliability of hair tests in maintaining strict drug-use policies.
In Evansville, AR, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of a candidate's or employee's substance use history. Such extensive insight is invaluable for making informed employment decisions, ensuring a safer work environment.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of tampering in Evansville, AR. Unlike other methods, it offers near-absolute reliability and accuracy, as the sample collection process is notably difficult to manipulate. This ensures that results are both genuine and undisputed.
Our widespread nationwide testing locations, including those in Evansville, AR, provide unmatched convenience. With an extensive network, individuals and employers enjoy quick and effortless access to necessary testing services, ensuring a smooth process statewide.
The hair follicle testing process in Evansville, AR, is simple and confidential. From ordering, testing, to receiving results, every step is designed to protect privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns around confidentiality and making the process straightforward for all applicants.
We offer affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround times in Evansville, AR. Our competitive rates and swift service delivery provide businesses of all sizes with excellent value, making our hair follicle drug testing a cost-effective solution for comprehensive drug screening needs.
Hair follicle drug testing boasts precision and speed in Evansville, AR, delivering rapid and trustworthy results. This testing method has a high degree of accuracy, effectively identifying substance use which is pivotal for ensuring a drug-free environment. In addition to speed, hair tests reduce uncertainties making them a preferred choice for prompt results.
Employers in Evansville, AR, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it upholds workplace compliance with drug-free policies. This testing method minimizes legal and safety risks, fostering a secure and compliant work atmosphere that benefits both employers and employees alike.
