Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal a history of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will acquire 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or screens exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. In reference to head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a lab consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample as it enters a lab’s system. This step includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entries absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary fast evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though it serves as an economical option to discount drug usage for most samples, any positive finding requires Confirmation to hold up in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening are subject to subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing when necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In O'Kean, AR, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. It has a longer detection period, providing a comprehensive view of substance use history. This makes hair testing a more reliable method for employers looking for detailed insights.
Furthermore, hair follicle tests deter cheating, unlike urine tests, which can be more easily tampered with. This aspect of hair testing contributes to the integrity and dependability of the results.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in O'Kean, AR, allows for drug use detection over an extended period, up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a thorough understanding of employees' substance use history, crucial for making informed hiring or retention decisions.
This long detection timeframe distinguishes hair testing from other methods, enabling the identification of patterns in drug use that would otherwise go unnoticed with shorter detection period tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: Hair follicle testing greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration in O'Kean, AR, offering results that can be trusted. This testing method provides clear, reliable, and undeniable evidence of substance use without the complications of other testing techniques.
This tamper-resistant attribute of hair testing makes it a preferred choice for employers seeking authenticity and accuracy in their drug testing programs, thereby safeguarding the workplace environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: With testing centers available across the nation and locally in O'Kean, AR, our drug testing services offer unmatched convenience. Easy access to testing facilities ensures a quick, hassle-free process for all clients.
Whether you need testing in your area or across different locations, our comprehensive network simplifies the testing process, providing a seamless experience for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process: In O'Kean, AR, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns over privacy and usability. From ordering to obtaining results, we prioritize a smooth and private experience.
This streamlined process ensures ease of use, making it accessible for everyone while safeguarding individuals' confidentiality and respecting privacy throughout the entire testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: We offer competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing in O'Kean, AR. Our services provide excellent value, ensuring peace of mind for companies of varying sizes.
With a focus on affordability and efficiency, our testing services help employers balance cost-effectiveness with the need for prompt and reliable results, supporting their ongoing commitment to workplace safety.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In O'Kean, AR, hair follicle drug tests boast exceptional precision and speed. These tests are known for their high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring that employers receive quick and dependable results for informed decision-making.
By leveraging advanced testing technology, hair follicle tests provide rapid outcomes without compromising on the reliability of the results. This efficiency is a crucial benefit for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace in O'Kean.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Utilizing hair follicle testing in O'Kean, AR, ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks associated with drug use, enhances safety, and provides peace of mind for employers by maintaining a secure work environment.
By conducting hair follicle drug tests, companies demonstrate their commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, thereby promoting a healthier work atmosphere and protecting their workforce from potential hazards.
