Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair incorporates a longitudinal record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within its growing fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers an estimated 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. It’s easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair—the optimal quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a lab-based drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the first phase of entering a specimen into a lab’s system. This entails making sure the sample was adequately sealed and delivered, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial brief assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to discount drug use in most specimens, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In instances where a sample yields a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the primary specimen to prep for Extraction. At this juncture, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underpinning the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verifying any positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive specimens are washed as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Harriet, AR. Hair testing showcases numerous advantages over urine tests, including enhanced accuracy and reliability. The longer detection window allows for a more comprehensive analysis of substance use, making it highly effective for employers and professionals committed to maintaining safety and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Harriet, AR. Hair follicle tests can reveal drug usage over a span of up to 90 days, presenting employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history. This extensive window provides a broader perspective than traditional methods, ensuring informed decision-making.
Robust Tamper-Resistant Measures in Harriet, AR. The nature of hair follicle testing inherently reduces the chances of sample tampering. With collection methods designed to ensure integrity, this approach offers results that clients can trust, free from adulteration or manipulation.
Convenient Local and Nationwide Testing Facilities in Harriet, AR. With Accredited Drug Testing, you'll find an extensive network of testing sites ensuring accessibility and convenience. Our commitment to customer ease translates into quick, hassle-free access to testing services near you.
A Simple, Confidential Testing Process in Harriet, AR. Our process is designed to prioritize user privacy and simplicity. From ordering to receiving results, each step is managed discreetly, making it easy for individuals to complete their testing with confidence.
Cost-Effective and Prompt Testing in Harriet, AR. We provide competitive pricing frameworks alongside swift turnaround of test results. By offering exceptional value, we ensure that organizations of any size benefit from affordable and efficient testing services.
Experience Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Harriet, AR. Hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision and rapid results. With their ability to detect a wide variety of substances, they ensure accurate identification of drug use. These capabilities make hair testing a preferred choice for those seeking trustworthy and swift conclusions.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Harriet, AR. Opting for hair follicle testing can fortify your compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This approach enhances safety while minimizing legal exposure, providing employers with reassurance and a safeguard against potential liabilities.
