Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Sampling near the scalp can yield up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and it's convenient for transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches incorporating about 200 hair strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is considered ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab's system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive indication requires Confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a more complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive result in screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive specimens are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Testing Superiority in Minturn, AR: Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method offers a detailed view of substance use, making it a preferred choice for strict compliance requirements among Minturn, AR employers.
Extended Detection Period in Minturn, AR: Hair follicle tests showcase an extensive detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This broad timeframe offers employers a comprehensive perspective of an individual's drug use history, ensuring informed decision-making in Minturn, AR.
Tamper-Proof Testing in Minturn, AR: Hair follicle drug tests boast a robust tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability provides authentic and unquestionable results for Minturn, AR, stakeholders.
Accessibility in Minturn, AR: Our nationwide network, including Minturn, AR, ensures convenient access to testing services. With numerous local testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing allows for quick, fácil, and stress-free drug testing processes.
Confidential Testing in Minturn, AR: At Accredited Drug Testing, we prioritize a simple and confidential process. From ordering tests to receiving results, Minturn, AR, clients experience peace of mind, knowing their privacy is protected.
Competitive Pricing in Minturn, AR: Our pricing structures are designed to be affordable without compromising on quality. With fast turnaround times, we provide exceptional value for businesses of all sizes in Minturn, AR.
Precision in Minturn, AR: Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast, accurate results. Their precision allows for detailed detection of substance use, ensuring high reliability. As a result, both individuals and organizations in Minturn, AR, trust this method for its dependable outcomes.
Ensuring Compliance in Minturn, AR: Hair follicle drug testing in Minturn, AR, aids in maintaining compliance with workplace drug policies. By deploying such tests, employers mitigate legal risks and promote a safer work environment.
