Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal drug or alcohol usage over approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands, roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil, near the scalp, yields 100mg, ideal for both screening and further testing. For EtG, additional inquiries, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is inaccessible, the same amount of body hair is acceptable. By 'head hair', we mean only scalp hair. 'Body hair' encompasses other types like facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the laboratory comprises four chief stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary handling of a sample into the lab's database. This step includes checking that the sample remained sealed and was shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and ensuring complete data entry when an electronic chain of custody is unavailable.
Screening involves a rapid initial inspection for drug traces. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, those with positive results must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is processed from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive outcomes in screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp
For those in Laneburg, AR, hair follicle tests eclipse urine tests in several ways. Not only do they offer superior detection over a prolonged period, but they also provide a more reliable reading of substance use history. Such tests offer a detailed insight that traditional methods lack.
With hair follicle testing in Laneburg, AR, the detection window extends up to 90 days. This permits employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or current employee's substance use history, offering a detailed view that's unavailable through shorter-window methods.
In Laneburg, AR, hair tests inherently minimize the risk of tampering. This tamper-resistant methodology ensures that samples are less prone to adulteration, thereby reinforcing the test's credibility and making results more reliable and undeniable.
With numerous testing sites nationwide, including Laneburg, AR, our centers offer convenient access for all your testing needs. Enjoy hassle-free and rapid testing services, ensuring you can quickly meet requirements without unnecessary travel.
Our hair testing process in Laneburg, AR, is both simple and confidential. It guarantees an easy order, take, and receive results process while prioritizing the privacy concerns of all participants.
Businesses of all sizes in Laneburg, AR, appreciate our affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. These factors contribute to our excellent value, ensuring companies can implement drug testing without undue financial burden.
In Laneburg, AR, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering swift and accurate outcomes. These tests are adept at precisely identifying substance use, providing results that employers and agencies can trust. With its advanced detection capabilities, hair testing combines speed with precision.
Employers in Laneburg, AR, leverage hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free work policy mandates. This not only minimizes potential legal issues but also upholds workplace safety, offering peace of mind across the board.
