Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferred. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, it pertains to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in a laboratory consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial intake of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the specimen was sealed and shipped intact, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legally defensible. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a specimen yields a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample and set aside for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at a considerably lower concentration than from other testing methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Gilmore, AR, hair follicle testing offers advantages over traditional urine tests. One key benefit is its ability to detect drug use over a longer period, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's behaviors. Hair testing is less invasive and difficult to cheat compared to urine testing, leading to more reliable outcomes. Its superior detection accuracy and enhanced reliability are crucial for maintaining drug-free environments.
With hair follicle drug testing in Gilmore, AR, the detection window extends up to 90 days, offering a thorough understanding of a person's substance use history. This extended period is beneficial for employers needing insight into an applicant's or employee's past drug behaviors. The hair test captures patterns over months rather than days, providing a wider and more informative examination of individual habits.
Hair follicle tests in Gilmore, AR significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy and credible results. The structure of hair testing reduces the possibility of adulteration, making it nearly impossible to alter the samples after collection. This fortifies the credibility of the outcomes, making hair tests a robust choice for institutions valuing integrity and accuracy in drug testing procedures.
Our testing facilities are conveniently located nationwide, including in Gilmore, AR, delivering quick and seamless access to drug testing services. This extensive network simplifies scheduling tests, saving time and effort. Our accessible locations ensure that individuals and companies can manage testing requirements smoothly, with minimal inconvenience or delay.
The process for hair follicle testing in Gilmore, AR is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy considerations efficiently. From order placement to receiving results, the entire process is streamlined, ensuring ease of use for all clients. This user-friendly approach eliminates complexity and respects individual privacy, making it an ideal option for professional and personal testing needs.
Our competitive pricing and quick result turnaround make our services in Gilmore, AR both economical and efficient. We provide excellent value without compromising on quality or speed, offering peace of mind to businesses of all sizes. Our approach ensures that companies receive prompt service at an affordable price, reinforcing our dedication to customer satisfaction.
The precision and speed of hair follicle testing make it an outstanding choice in Gilmore, AR. This method has high accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring reliable results. Hair testing can quickly identify drug usage, offering dependable outcomes that position it above standard methods. Fast turnaround times with precise feedback allow for smooth decision-making and increased security in various professional settings.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Gilmore, AR ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal challenges and enhancing safety. This testing method leaves little room for doubt, offering employers peace of mind. By choosing hair tests, companies can maintain compliance effortlessly while upholding a secure and trustworthy workplace environment.
