Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended-term overview of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in its fibers during growth. When gathered from near the scalp, hair can deliver around a three-month surveillance period for substances. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for evaluating drug test outcomes comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Verification.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab's system. This encompasses confirming the sample's sealed and shipped status, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be legally tenable. Samples that test positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is flagged as positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is the most challenging to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminarily positive samples undergo washing before verification as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Verification is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jefferson, AR
In terms of accuracy and reliability, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests. It offers superior detection capabilities which significantly enhance the accuracy of the results, making it a more reliable choice for employers and other stakeholders who require dependable substance use evaluations.
Extended Detection Window in Jefferson, AR
Hair follicle tests provide the advantage of an extended detection timeframe, capturing up to 90 days of prior drug use. This extensive window allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance history, making informed decisions with confidence.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jefferson, AR
With its significant resistance to tampering, hair follicle tests deliver results you can trust. This testing method reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring outcomes are reliable and beyond question, crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jefferson, AR
With a network of nationwide and local testing centers, accessing our services is quick and hassle-free. We ensure convenient options for all your testing needs, providing easy access to efficient testing services no matter your location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Jefferson, AR
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, it upholds privacy while being easy to navigate, addressing any concerns regarding the discreetness and simplicity of obtaining hair follicle test results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jefferson, AR
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing coupled with fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our approach ensures that you receive prompt results without compromising on cost efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jefferson, AR
Hair follicle testing offers a combination of speed and reliability, providing highly precise results in detecting substance use. This method ensures that results are both quick and trustworthy, giving you clear insights into an individual’s substance use patterns with minimal room for error.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jefferson, AR
Utilizing hair follicle testing for drug screening helps employers enforce drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only supports legal compliance but also enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind by safeguarding against substance misuse.
