Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term record of substance intake by incorporating biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to alteration, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and testing surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate specimen measurement. In the absence of head hair, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we specify only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening provides an initial, rapid assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a screening yield positive results, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are recovered from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other substances like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug screening a highly complex procedure.
Confirmation is conducted for any positive screening through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive specimens are cleansed as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is performed under the guidance of CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. This method offers a longer detection window, up to 90 days while ensuring accuracy in identifying drug use. Employers and legal entities benefit from reliable results, as hair testing reduces the chance of result manipulation.
Advantages of Hair Testing:
One significant advantage of hair follicle drug testing is its ability to trace substance use up to 90 days past. This provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance habits, making it essential for employers requiring in-depth insights into potential employees' drug use. By capturing a broader timeframe, companies in Lowry, AR can better assess and ensure a drug-free workplace.
An outstanding benefit of hair drug tests is their resistance to tampering. The collected samples undergo strict observation, making it nearly impossible to adulterate or substitute. This method ensures the authenticity and trustworthiness of results, greatly diminishing any possibility for manipulation. In Lowry, AR, this brings confidence to employers and legal professionals.
Our testing centers are conveniently spread across the nation, including those in Lowry, AR, allowing for timely and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This broad network makes test scheduling easy, ensuring you can manage your testing requirements with local convenience and national reach, benefiting both employers and individuals.
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results in Lowry, AR is structured to be simple and confidential. It addresses privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use. The straightforward approach ensures that clients receive detailed and secure results without unnecessary delays, enhancing the user experience.
Our pricing structure for hair follicle drug testing in Lowry, AR remains competitive, complemented by rapid turnaround times for results. This combination offers significant value, allowing companies of all sizes to benefit from reliable drug testing services without financial strain, ensuring they make informed decisions swiftly.
Hair follicle testing excels in delivering precise and swift drug testing outcomes. This method is renowned for its high accuracy, leaving no room for doubt regarding substance use. Favorable in Lowry, AR, hair testing is increasingly popular due to its reliability and quick result turnaround.
The swiftness and exactness of hair sample analysis offer peace of mind to those seeking dependable testing methods in various scenarios.
Employers in Lowry, AR can achieve peace of mind and ensure compliance by employing hair follicle testing. This reliable method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting safety within the organization. Hair tests serve as a robust safeguard to maintain regulatory adherence, reducing potential issues for companies.
