Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When extracted from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves introducing a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial glance for substance abuse. Though it is a budget-friendly way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that preliminarily test positive during Screening require further verification.
If a sample tests as likely positive during the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to carry out.
Verification of any positive screen result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to verification, if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
When evaluating drug testing methods in Oakland, AR, hair follicle testing outpaces traditional urine tests in accuracy and reliability. The hair method offers undeniable advantages, detecting substance use over longer periods and providing a clearer picture of usage patterns.
Why choose hair follicle testing in Oakland, AR? One compelling reason is the extended detection window of up to 90 days.
Understanding an individual's long-term substance use is vital for determining their aptitude for safety-sensitive roles, reinforcing the hair test's position as a superior method.
Oakland, AR's hair follicle testing method boasts a tamper-resistant nature that significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration.
This robustness in testing allows for conclusive assessments, essential for legal and employment decisions.
With Accredited Drug Testing's vast network, residents and businesses in Oakland, AR can utilize conveniently located testing centers nationwide.
Whether local or cross-country, our testing facilities ensure seamless access to hair follicle assessments, catering to varied testing needs with ease.
The hair follicle testing process in Oakland, AR is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns head-on.
Our focus on user privacy and ease makes the testing process hassle-free, ensuring peace of mind for all involved.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast service in Oakland, AR.
Balancing cost and speed, we cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring quality service without stretching budgets, fostering an environment of reliability and affordability.
In Oakland, AR, hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their quick turnaround and dependable results. The precision and efficiency of this testing technique enable rapid detection of substance use, ensuring reliable conclusions.
Employers in Oakland, AR gain peace of mind through the compliance benefits of hair follicle testing.
By opting for this testing method, organizations contribute to a secure and productive workplace where safety and compliance are prioritized.
