Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers, offering insights into long-term usage by embedding them into the hair shaft as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is a straightforward process that is relatively resistant to tampering and easy to transport.
For an optimal specimen used in screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch cut of approximately 200 hair strands, equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil, provides around 100mg of hair. For EtG, extra analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial sample integration into the lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial drug abuse assessment. While cost-effective and efficient for screening most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal validity. Samples testing positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of a positive screen is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation, if necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines for hair and ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oark, AR: The benefits of hair testing include superior detection accuracy and consistency compared to traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer a longer detection window and are less susceptible to tampering, providing reliable insights for employers.
The distinctly broader reach of hair tests makes them ideal for policies enforcing a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Oark, AR: Hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive view into an individual's drug use history, offering detection for up to 90 days. This wider window benefits employers by showcasing long-term patterns of substance use, aiding informed decisions.
This detection capability ensures a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance-free commitment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oark, AR: Hair follicle testing is a robust solution to reduce the risk of sample adulteration, providing trustworthy and definitive results. The integrity of the sample remains intact throughout the process, setting a standard for reliability.
Organizations can rely on the accuracy of these tests, devoid of manipulation risks present in other methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oark, AR: Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures convenient and accessible services. Quick and simple access to testing facilities makes the process hassle-free for individuals and employers alike.
The ease of our network allows seamless testing experiences in any major city.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oark, AR: The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy is prioritized. Clients can have peace of mind knowing their information remains private.
This straightforward procedure addresses any privacy concerns while ensuring efficient service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oark, AR: Our competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times offer excellent value. This ensures peace of mind for organizations of all sizes, offering both cost-effectiveness and timeliness.
Our services empower organizations to conduct efficient drug screening without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oark, AR: Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and swiftness in substance detection. Known for their high accuracy, these tests are highly effective in identifying drug use and provide results that employers can trust.
The streamlined process ensures results are delivered quickly without compromising reliability, making hair testing a preferred choice for many.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oark, AR: Utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal concerns and elevating workplace safety. This rigorous testing approach provides employers the confidence in fulfilling regulatory requirements.
Ensuring a drug-free environment enhances organizational wellness and security.
