Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected nearest to the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. Use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This procedure includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and transport, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any remaining data entries absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Screening is an economical means to exclude drug use in most samples, however, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory process.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs in hair are extracted at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair analysis presents a complex challenge.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hope, AR
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy. Employers and legal entities choosing hair tests benefit from an extended detection period, making it a reliable choice in Hope, AR.
Extended Detection Window in Hope, AR
Hair follicle testing excels at providing a comprehensive substance use history, with the ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days. This extended timeframe offers employers a detailed overview of an individual's drug use habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hope, AR
The method of hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This test stands out for its reliability, giving employers and judicial entities peace of mind through unquestionable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hope, AR
Our widespread network of testing centers, including local sites in Hope, AR, guarantees convenient and hassle-free access to comprehensive drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hope, AR
The hair testing procedure is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the focus is on privacy and ease of use, addressing customer concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hope, AR
Offering competitive prices and prompt result delivery, our services provide excellent value for organizations, both large and small, ensuring peace of mind with swift turnarounds.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hope, AR
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use rapidly. Their reliability is unmatched in Hope, AR, providing quick results that uphold integrity and precision in drug screening processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hope, AR
Employers using hair follicle testing can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method plays a crucial role in reducing legal risks and boosting workplace safety.
