Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a long-term repository for alcohol and drug markers, securing them within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is clipped near the scalp, it can reveal a detection span of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both initial testing and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional testing options, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory analysis of a drug test result encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This step includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing information not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample register a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug testing presents the greatest challenge in execution.
Any positive result from screening is validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle located under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New London, AR. Hair tests surpass urine tests by delivering superior detection accuracy and reliability. The longer detection window allows for a thorough assessment, making them ideal for a comprehensive review of substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in New London, AR. Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's drug use history, far beyond what urine tests can detect.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New London, AR. Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures that results remain reliable and indisputable, enhancing the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New London, AR. Our widespread testing centers allow for seamless access to testing services, offering convenience and ease for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in New London, AR. The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns over privacy while offering user-friendly procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New London, AR. With competitive pricing strategies and quick result delivery, our testing services provide great value and assurance to companies of any size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New London, AR. Hair follicle drug tests stand out due to the speed and precision they offer. Detection is accurate even with small traces of substance use, ensuring results are trustworthy and swift, thus aiding vital decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New London, AR. Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, diminishing legal risks while promoting workplace safety and security.
