Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers a prolonged history of drugs and alcohol. When collected close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug use for up to about three months. It's straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising around 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. To test for EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale, we suggest weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. 'Head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' includes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any necessary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase conducts an initial, swift assessment for substance abuse. Though a cost-effective measure for discarding most samples, a positive screen still mandates confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive from Screening, more hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid, illustrating why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests? In Parkdale, AR, hair testing offers a clear edge. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide superior detection accuracy over a prolonged period. They're preferred for their reliability, ensuring that employers and authorities receive dependable evaluations free from tampering or manipulation. The capability to detect substances over weeks adds another layer of reliability.
Extended Detection Window is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing compared to traditional methods. In Parkdale, AR, this means employers can gain a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history over an extended period of up to 90 days. This long detection window provides a thorough view, far surpassing the capability of urine tests, which typically cover only a few days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing is a hallmark of hair follicle tests in Parkdale, AR. This method greatly minimizes the risk of sample manipulation, delivering outcomes that are both reliable and unquestionable. The observed collection process adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that results reflect true substance use without the interference of adulteration, thus prevailing as a trustworthy choice for evaluations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, including those in Parkdale, AR, offer effortless access to hair follicle testing. This network ensures that testing is quick and hassle-free, enabling quick accommodation to all testing needs. The nationwide reach simplifies logistics for businesses of any size, making the process seamless and readily available in various locales.
Simple, Confidential Process is what you can expect in Parkdale, AR. Starting from ordering to obtaining results, the procedure is straightforward and maintains privacy at all times. Concerns about confidentiality are addressed thoroughly, ensuring that the process remains discreet and user-friendly while delivering timely and secure outcomes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are key advantages in Parkdale, AR. Our competitive pricing structures accommodate companies of varying sizes, delivering great value. Additionally, the quick turnaround time ensures results are available promptly, providing businesses with peace of mind and efficiency in the testing process. This combination of affordability and speed makes it an attractive option for employers.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable results are what define hair follicle testing in Parkdale, AR. Known for their precision, these tests quickly identify substance use with remarkable accuracy. Hair testing is an efficient method to get reliable results that employers and individuals can trust.
The accuracy of this method ensures confident decision-making for both employers and individuals in assessing substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers are assured through hair follicle testing in Parkdale, AR. By using this method, businesses can adhere to drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal risks and promoting safer work environments. With such testing in place, companies can confidently maintain compliance, reinforcing both policy adherence and workplace safety efficiently.
