Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of drug intake since biomarkers become trapped within the strands of hair as it grows. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal substance use over a span of roughly three months. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to mail.
Aiming for an ideal screening and confirmation sample, a 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) should yield about 100mg of hair. For extensive tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Note that when discussing head hair, the focus is solely on scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing stages for drug test results encompass four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample's integration into the laboratory system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary evaluation for drug abuse. It serves as a cost-efficient method to eliminate most samples from suspicion, though a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Presumptively positive samples identified during Screening require further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at far lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (like urine or oral fluids), underlying hair drug testing's complexity.
Confirmation of any positive screening involves processes like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, falls under the scrutiny of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis specifically pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle under the skin.
Hair follicle testing in Peel, AR offers superior benefits compared to the traditional urine tests, primarily in terms of detection accuracy and reliability.
Hair follicle testing in Peel, AR effectively extends the detection window for drug use to up to 90 days, offering a thorough overview of an individual's substance use. This comprehensive detection capability ensures employers gain accurate insights into an applicant or employee’s history, making it an ideal choice for pre-employment or ongoing evaluations.
In Peel, AR, hair follicle tests stand out due to their tamper-resistant nature. These tests greatly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable and unquestionable. This level of security in testing methods provides unerring assurance, beneficial for maintaining stringent drug-free policies.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including locations in Peel, AR, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. The broad reach ensures quick and hassle-free testing experiences, reducing wait times and streamlining the process for individuals and businesses, regardless of location.
The process of hair follicle testing in Peel, AR is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, confidentiality is maintained, addressing privacy concerns.
This simplicity ensures an easy and stress-free experience for our clients, emphasizing the importance we place on our clients’ comfort and discretion.
In Peel, AR, hair follicle testing is not only affordable but also offers a fast turnaround. With competitive pricing structures, it provides excellent value for companies of any size, ensuring quick results without breaking the bank or compromising on quality.
In Peel, AR, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and reliable results, making them a top choice for drug testing. This method delivers high precision in detecting various substances, ensuring results are both accurate and timely.
The comprehensive nature of hair testing provides employers with confidence in the findings, highlighting its effectiveness over other testing options.
Employers in Peel, AR can gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which helps in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only furthers compliance but also reduces legal liabilities and enhances the overall safety and productivity of the workplace, fostering a secure environment.