Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged substance use history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as they grow. When hair is sourced near the scalp, it offers about a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately akin to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, extra markers, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg quantity of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be taken. Note that 'head hair' denotes scalp hair alone, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample’s initial integration into the lab’s system. This encompasses checks on proper sealing and shipping, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. Despite being a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If the Screening step results in a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests," these tests examine the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nashville, AR
Hair follicle experiments excel over conventional urine tests due to superior accuracy and dependability in detecting substance use. Their ability to reveal drug usage history up to three months offers compelling evidence for employers and professionals. This method reduces false negatives, which are more common in urine tests, delivering a trustworthy analysis of an individual's substance intake.
Extended Detection Window in Nashville, AR
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nashville, AR
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the possibility of tampering, ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of the results. The challenge of adulterating hair samples is much greater than with liquid samples, making this method an excellent choice for obtaining authentic assessments. This level of security gives employers confidence in the reliability of their substance testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Nashville, AR
Our testing centers are spread across the entire country, including local facilities in Nashville, AR, ensuring stress-free access to testing services. The widespread availability means individuals can quickly locate a center nearby, facilitating easier engagement in drug and alcohol testing services no matter where they are situated.
Simple, Confidential Process in Nashville, AR
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nashville, AR
We offer competitive pricing structures that cater to enterprises of varying sizes. Our quick turnaround times ensure expedited results, accommodating the fast-paced needs of modern businesses. This combination of value and prompt service underscores our commitment to support companies in maintaining efficient and safe working environments.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nashville, AR
Hair follicle testing stands out for its high accuracy, providing quick and dependable identification of drug use. This method's credibility comes from its ability to detect substances reliably, eliminating uncertainties often associated with traditional tests. With advanced technology, it offers a meticulous examination of samples, ensuring precise results in record time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Nashville, AR
