Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective instrument for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged view of alcohol and drug use. When hair is sampled close to the scalp, it can yield a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, comparatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, add-ons, or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We advocate weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. In situations where scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (such as beard, armpit hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s database. This phase ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug usage. Although Screening offers an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that show a preliminary positive result in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
In instances where a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair with a sensitivity lower than other techniques (like urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," these assessments actually analyze the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In comparing hair with urine testing, hair follicle testing offers better detection accuracy and reliability in Henderson, AR. The extended detection period in hair testing makes it a preferred choice for organizations with strict drug policies. This effective method reveals past substance use, offering a thorough insight into an individual's history.
Hair follicle testing in Henderson, AR allows for the detection of drug use over a much longer period, sometimes up to 90 days. This provides a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's drug history. Employers benefit from this extended detection window, making informed staffing decisions based on detailed substance history.
Hair follicle tests reduce the risk of sample adulteration significantly. In Henderson, AR, this method provides unquestionable reliability in results, ensuring the integrity of the sample and boosting employer confidence in the findings. These tests deter attempts to cheat, guaranteeing accurate conclusions for drug use assessments.
Henderson, AR, benefits from widespread access to drug testing services through our nationwide centers. This network allows for
Our simple and confidential process in Henderson, AR facilitates easy ordering, testing, and results delivery. This approach ensures privacy and comfort for users. Concerns about confidentiality and ease of use are addressed, creating a smooth experience from start to finish.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our services in Henderson, AR provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes enjoy the
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them stand out in Henderson, AR. Their high accuracy in detecting substance use ensures fast and
Employers in Henderson, AR achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Such tests ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reduce legal risks, and promote safety. Utilizing reliable testing methods also minimizes workplace incidents related to substance use.
