Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected from the scalp, it can offer nearly a 90-day detection period for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For tests like EtG, supplements, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The pivotal stages in the lab for processing drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample processing within a lab's framework. This stage checks the sample's integrity, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial, swift evaluation for substances. While it's an economical method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court validity. Samples yielding an initial positive result in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
For samples testing positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and set for Extraction. Here, substances are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other tests (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is among the most complex testing methods.
Positive screening outcomes undergo verification via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine in Mountain View, AR
Hair follicle testing offers notable benefits over traditional urine tests, primarily due to its superior detection accuracy and high reliability. The extended detection window afforded by hair tests provides a comprehensive view of drug use, reducing instances of false negatives and ensuring employers have complete information.
Extended Detection Window in Mountain View, AR
Hair follicle testing offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, with the ability to detect drug use over an extensive 90-day window. This extended period surpasses traditional methods, allowing employers to make informed decisions based on a complete picture of an individual's past drug behavior.
Reliable and Tamper-Proof Testing in Mountain View, AR
Reduce the risk of sample tampering with hair follicle tests, which offer reliable and trusted results. The observed collection process minimizes the chances of adulterating or falsifying samples, providing results you can count on.
Convenient Testing Locations in Mountain View, AR
With our widespread testing centers nationwide, access to drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Whether local or across the country, our facilities ensure a swift and easy testing process.
Confidential and Simple Testing in Mountain View, AR
Our testing services prioritize simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring a straightforward process for obtaining, taking, and receiving your results. Our procedures are designed to be user-friendly while maintaining the utmost respect for client privacy.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Results in Mountain View, AR
Our competitive pricing structure and expedited turnaround times deliver exceptional value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that timely and cost-effective services meet your testing needs unerringly.
Fast and Reliable Testing in Mountain View, AR
Experience the precision of hair follicle drug testing, renowned for its swift and accurate results. Hair tests excel in detecting substance use with great accuracy, providing clear and dependable outcomes, making them a preferred choice in drug-testing scenarios.
Compliance and Employer Peace of Mind in Mountain View, AR
Implement hair follicle testing to ensure adherence to workplace drug-free regulations. This approach helps diminish legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, granting employers peace of mind and compliance assurance.
