Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The strands trap biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended history of substance and alcohol use. When clipped near the scalp, these strands can reveal up to a roughly 90-day timeframe for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both initial and confirmatory analysis. For EtG analyses, additional tests, or more than 10-panel tests, a hair specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s balance. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The process of processing a drug test result in the lab consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a sample into the laboratory’s records. This step verifies the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any supplementary data entries that aren't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary and rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for negating drug usage in most samples, a positive screening needs confirmation to be legally defensible. Any samples with positive indications during Screening require further confirmation through a secondary process.
Should a sample indicate positive results during the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted for the Extraction process. Here, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other procedures, such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug analysis the most intricate methodology to execute.
The Confirmation stage for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumed positive samples are washed if necessary before Confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the surface.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior in Halliday, AR
Hair testing in Halliday offers greater detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine testing methods.
Extended Detection in Halliday, AR
Employers gain a broader scope of an individual's substance use history with hair follicle testing.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Halliday, AR
This testing method delivers highly reliable results by minimizing the risk of sample tampering.
Convenient National Locations in Halliday, AR
Nationwide centers provide convenient and prompt testing options, ensuring accessibility for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Halliday, AR
The process ensures simplicity and confidentiality, making it user-friendly and private.
Affordable Prices, Quick Turnaround in Halliday, AR
Cost-effective pricing combined with rapid results provides unmatched value for organizations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Halliday, AR
These tests stand out for their speed and precision, providing dependable results in substance detection for individuals and organizations alike.
Peace of Mind for Employers in Halliday, AR
Adopting hair follicle testing helps firms maintain policy compliance and assures a safer work environment.