Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures enduring evidence of alcohol and other drugs through biomarkers encased in the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer close to a 3-month timeframe for detecting substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) positioned closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, considered the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, extra tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair might be used. When addressing head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-beneficial method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening needs verification to be court-admissible. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
The confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and against ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Norman, AR
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy. It not only identifies a wider variety of substances but is also less susceptible to tampering. Employers and officials in Norman, AR find this method more dependable.
Extended Detection Window in Norman, AR
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history. This is particularly beneficial for employers in Norman, AR seeking a thorough evaluation of potential hires or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Norman, AR
The robustness of hair follicle testing significantly diminishes the risk of sample manipulation. This method ensures that results remain authentic and credible, offering peace of mind to both employers and legal authorities in Norman, AR.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Norman, AR
The availability of testing centers nationwide, including those conveniently located in Norman, AR, ensures swift and straightforward access to our services. We're dedicated to providing a seamless and trouble-free testing experience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Norman, AR
Our testing process is both straightforward and confidential. Clients in Norman, AR can expect an easy journey from ordering to obtaining results, all while maintaining privacy and security at every step of the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Norman, AR
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our services provide great value to businesses of all sizes in Norman, AR. Our cost-effective solutions cater to diverse needs while ensuring timely and accurate results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Norman, AR
When it comes to precision and speed, hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled accuracy. Its ability to detect a wide range of substances ensures reliability, making it a preferred choice in Norman, AR. The comprehensive analysis process guarantees results that stakeholders can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Norman, AR
Adopting hair follicle testing allows businesses to adhere to drug-free workplace policies effectively, curbing potential legal challenges and bolstering safety. This strategic measure provides employers in Norman, AR substantial peace of mind.
