Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has grown in reputation as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a historical record of substances by trapping biomarkers in the hair strands as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer about a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. The collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easily shipped.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is the preferable amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or for testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We advocate weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a proportional amount of body hair can be used. In references pertaining to head hair, it denotes scalp hair specifically. Body hair represents all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the first-step handling of a sample within a lab's system. This phase includes verifying sample seal and proper shipping, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While it offers a budget-friendly means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates further confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that appear positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
Confirming any positive result from Screening is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples deemed presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under the scrutiny of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Palmyra, AR
Hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. The extended detection period allows it to detect drug usage more reliably. While urine tests can be manipulated, hair testing offers a tamper-resistant alternative, ensuring trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in Palmyra, AR
Hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its ability to provide a comprehensive substance use history, with a detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period gives employers better insights into an individual's habits, crucial for maintaining a safe work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Palmyra, AR
Hair follicle testing drastically reduces the risk of sample manipulation. By eliminating possibilities of adulteration, this method delivers reliable and undeniable results, thus reinforcing its credibility and popularity among testing options.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Palmyra, AR
Our expansive network of testing centers guarantees hassle-free access to testing services for all clients. Whether in Palmyra or other nationwide centers, the process remains convenient and swift, simplifying drug testing for everyone.
Simple, Confidential Process in Palmyra, AR
The hair testing process is straightforward and maintains the confidentiality of all test-takers. From ordering to obtaining results, the process is designed to be simple and private, ensuring users feel secure about their personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Palmyra, AR
We are committed to providing competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Clients of all sizes can benefit from our efficient service, receiving great value for quality, timely results at a fair cost.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Palmyra, AR
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are impressive. These tests provide highly accurate results, reliably identifying substance use across various drugs. In Palmyra, AR, choosing hair follicle tests guarantees you receive fast and accurate detection of drug use, making them an essential tool for timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Palmyra, AR
With hair follicle testing, employers can confidently maintain compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. This approach minimizes legal risks, enhances safety, and provides peace of mind, reinforcing a secure and productive workplace environment.
