Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized for its effectiveness, hair testing has become a crucial method for detecting both drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a long-term record of these substances by capturing biomarkers in its fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hairs (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG tests, additional analyses, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be collected, the same amount of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all non-scalp hair kinds (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug test lab processing involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is introduced into the laboratory's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any needed data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug usage on the majority of specimens, a positive result must be confirmed to be used in court. Any samples testing presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations in this phase compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is misleading as the actual test examines the hair strand, not the sub-skin follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mist, AR In comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine screenings, hair exams emerge as the front-runner due to their superior accuracy and reliability. They are less prone to being compromised or manipulated. Offering extended drug detection times, hair assays supply a comprehensive view of an individual's substance usage, surpassing the standard urine tests' capabilities.
Extended Detection Window in Mist, AR Hair follicle analyses stand out for their ability to unveil drug use spanning up to 90 days prior. Such an extended window is invaluable for employers aiming to grasp the broader substance use history of employees or applicants. This comprehensive overview surpasses shorter detection timelines offered by conventional tests, facilitating informed decision-making in employment processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mist, AR One of the critical advantages of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. These exams eliminate many opportunities for sample manipulation that are often present in urine testing, thus producing authentic and indisputable results. This robustness enhances trust in their outcomes for companies and legal entities aiming to uphold stringent drug use policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mist, AR Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation assures easy access to hair testing services. This availability simplifies the testing process, enabling swift and hassle-free access for individuals and businesses alike. Whether locally in Mist, AR or nationwide, our services remain accessible and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mist, AR The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality while facilitating user-friendly experiences for those undergoing the tests.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mist, AR Our hair follicle testing services offer excellent pricing alongside swift turnaround times. Catering to businesses of all scales, this combination ensures outstanding value, enabling companies to remain focused on core operations while relying on accurate and prompt test outcomes for informed decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mist, AR Hair follicle exams provide remarkable accuracy in detecting substance usage, offering rapid and reliable outcomes. Due to their advanced technology, these tests are favored by institutions seeking trustworthy results. Whether for legal or employment screenings, their precision leaves little room for error, solidifying their preference over conventional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mist, AR Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining drug-free workplace policies, providing employers with confidence and legal assurance. This method reduces potential liabilities, reinforcing workplace safety and compliance, ultimately supporting companies in safeguarding their operational integrity and community reputation.
