Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures extended histories of alcohol and drugs by retaining biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect hair, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an ideal specimen for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample processing into the laboratory’s system. This ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening initiates with a rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While economical to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
In the case of a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to conduct.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when required. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing in La Grange, AR, offers several benefits. Hair tests have a longer detection window, ensuring more accurate readings of substance use. Greater accuracy and reliability are the hallmarks of hair testing, giving it an edge over urine tests.
In La Grange, AR, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection timeframe, up to 90 days. This broader period offers employers a comprehensive insight into a candidate or employee's substance use history. Extended detection windows are crucial for informed decision-making.
With hair follicle tests in La Grange, AR, the risk of tampering is significantly minimized. The method ensures tamper-resistant results, offering reliable and indisputable outcomes.
The convenience of numerous testing centers nationwide, including La Grange, AR, makes it effortless to access drug testing services. Nationwide and local convenient testing locations guarantee efficient service for all clients.
Ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test in La Grange, AR, is straightforward and private. The process respects simplicity and confidentiality, alleviating privacy concerns and facilitating ease of use.
Our pricing and swift result delivery in La Grange, AR, offer outstanding value for businesses of any size. Affordable pricing and quick turnaround times make choosing hair follicle testing a beneficial decision.
Hair follicle tests in La Grange, AR, provide fast, precise outcomes. These tests possess high accuracy in spotting substances. Quick and accurate results bolster trust in the detection process, making hair testing the favored option for many.
Hair follicle testing in La Grange, AR, ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Employers can enjoy compliance and peace of mind, lowering legal risks and fostering a safer working environment.