Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the strands, offering a prolonged record of substance intake. When taken from near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use for a period of about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or for tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial stage where a sample is registered into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment are intact, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes all additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid preliminary check for drug presence. Although it is an economical approach to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for it to be court-admissible. Scores that show presumptive positivity in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
For samples that are presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. Each step from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted following CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Known as "hair follicle tests", these actually involve analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Midway, AR
Compared to urine assessments, hair testing offers a superior detection rate and long-term reliability. Many businesses utilize these tests for their enhanced detection, providing significant advantages in maintaining a drug-free workplace in Midway, AR.
Extended Detection Window in Midway, AR
The ability of hair follicle testing to reflect drug use over an extensive timeframe—up to 90 days—gives employers an all-encompassing view of employees' or applicants' substance habits, a valuable resource in Midway, AR.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Midway, AR
Hair follicle testing is known for its resilience against adulteration, offering trustworthy and clear-cut results. This safety mechanism is highly valued in Midway, AR for eliminating concerns over tampered samples.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Midway, AR
With testing centers located nationwide, including in Midway, AR, accessing testing services is streamlined and straightforward, reducing turnaround time for results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Midway, AR
The process for hair follicle drug tests is both simple and private. From ordering to results, this method in Midway, AR ensures confidentiality at every step, alleviating privacy worries clients may have.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Midway, AR
Offering competitive rates and expeditious result times, the value provided by hair follicle testing services in Midway, AR is significant, catering to businesses of varying sizes efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Midway, AR
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its rapid and precise outcomes, with results that accurately reveal substance use. This method of testing is recognized in Midway, AR for its high reliability in detecting even low levels of drug use, ensuring accurate test outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Midway, AR
Employers in Midway, AR focus on ensuring adherence to drug-free protocols through hair follicle testing, thus minimizing legal hazards and fostering workplace safety and morale.
