Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When the hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the standard sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures in laboratory drug test analysis are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen needs verification for legal admissibility. Any samples that yield presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive outcome in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before verification as needed. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Verification is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs over urine testing in Little Rock, AR lies in its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle diagnostics offer enhanced accuracy over longer periods, rendering it a more effective and reliable tool in substance use detection.
Extended Detection Window is a major advantage of hair follicle drug tests in Little Rock, AR. Capable of detecting substance use over a span of up to 90 days, it affords employers a comprehensive glimpse into an individual's historical substance use, making it invaluable for hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistance is essential in drug testing, and hair follicle assessments in Little Rock, AR excel in this regard. These tests significantly diminish the potential for sample tampering, ensuring results remain uncompromised and integrity is safeguarded.
Convenient Testing Locations are fundamental to ease of access. In Little Rock, AR, as well as nationwide, our testing centers provide hassle-free services, ensuring testing is swift, straightforward, and readily available across multiple sites.
Simple and Confidential processes for drug testing are imperative. In Little Rock, AR, ordering, conducting, and receiving test results are straightforward, maintaining privacy and assuring ease of use for all individuals involved.
Affordable Pricing is paired with fast turnaround times in Little Rock, AR, offering unbeatable value. Competitive pricing structures enable companies of all sizes to access quality testing services quickly, ensuring peace of mind with each drug test administered.
Fast and Accurate drug tests in Little Rock, AR provide results with precision and speed unmatched by traditional methods. Hair follicle testing is at the forefront for its efficiency in detecting substance abuse with high accuracy, offering results that are both reliable and swift.
Ensuring Compliance with workplace drug-free policies in Little Rock, AR is made easier with hair follicle tests. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are reducing legal risks, staying compliant, and promoting a safe working environment.
