Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by encasing biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to obtain, resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale, we suggest weighing the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair variations (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test outcome encompasses four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent validation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is utilized from the original sample and readies for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are appropriately washed before confirmation. The entirety of the laboratory examination from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair identification and meets the standards of ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hoxie, AR
Hair follicle testing in Hoxie, AR, surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may be commonplace, hair testing provides a longer window of detection and is harder to manipulate. This method ensures a more comprehensive analysis of an individual’s drug history, especially when maintaining high workplace standards is crucial.
Extended Detection Window in Hoxie, AR
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days into an individual's substance use history. This protracted timeframe gives employers in Hoxie, AR, a thorough perspective on an applicant or employee's consumption patterns, providing valuable insights beyond short-term drug tests and aiding long-term predictive analysis.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hoxie, AR
Hair follicle tests in Hoxie, AR, significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, ensuring rigorous and credible outcomes. The nature of these tests makes them inherently resistant to adulteration, thereby guarding against attempts to falsify results and securing the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hoxie, AR
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including in Hoxie, AR, provides accessible, efficient service for all testing needs. These locations allow for easy and convenient scheduling, ensuring quick and seamless access to testing services for employers and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hoxie, AR
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Hoxie, AR, remains straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, privacy is a paramount concern, simplifying the experience while ensuring users' personal information and results are protected at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hoxie, AR
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Hoxie, AR, presents a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. Our services offer great value, delivering quick and accurate results without exceeding budgetary limits, thereby providing a strong return on investment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hoxie, AR
Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift, accurate results that are trusted for their precision in identifying substance use. These tests provide remarkable accuracy in detecting a wide range of drugs and alcohol markers. In Hoxie, AR, these tests stand out for offering quick, reliable outcomes, ensuring employers and individuals receive the information they need promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hoxie, AR
Employing hair follicle tests ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind to employers in Hoxie, AR. This testing approach helps minimize legal risks, supporting a safer and compliant work environment. Businesses gain confidence knowing they reliably uphold regulations and safeguard their organizational integrity.
