Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, providing an extended history of alcohol and drug use. When gathered near the scalp, hair may reveal up to a roughly 3-month span for alcohol and drug detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the same thickness as a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for initial testing and verification. For tests involving EtG add-ons or more than 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the hair is advisable. If scalp hair is unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. This step entails ensuring the sample's secure seal and proper shipment, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any additional data input not handled by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to rule out drug presence in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that test potentially positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a positive result initially in Screening, more hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other techniques like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed "hair follicle tests," the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Poplar Grove, AR
Compared to the traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities and reliability. The extended detection window allows for a more comprehensive view of substance history, proving invaluable for zero-tolerance policies and sensitive positions.
Extended Detection Window in Poplar Grove, AR
Hair follicle tests allow for the detection of drug use over a substantially longer period, up to 90 days. This gives employers thorough insight into an individual's substance use history, creating a trustworthy background check and enhancing hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Poplar Grove, AR
Hair follicle drug tests are notably tamper-resistant, which greatly reduces the chance of sample adulteration. This ensures that results remain reliable and beyond dispute, giving confidence to both employers and courts when enforcing drug policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Poplar Grove, AR
Our widespread network of testing centers offers ease and accessibility for quick and hassle-free drug testing. Whether in Poplar Grove or any other city, testing is convenient, supporting better compliance with necessary testing protocols.
Simple, Confidential Process in Poplar Grove, AR
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and keeps confidentiality at the forefront. From test ordering to results, users are assured privacy and simplicity, confidently leveraging the test while protecting personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Poplar Grove, AR
Our competitive pricing structures offer significant value for diverse organization sizes, complemented by swift turnaround times. These benefits ensure companies get their money's worth without compromising on the quality or speed of the results delivered.
Fast and Reliable Results in Poplar Grove, AR
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. This reliable testing method is ideal for individuals and employers seeking dependable and quick outcomes, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Poplar Grove, AR
Adopting hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, alleviating legal risks and increasing workplace safety. Employers can rest assured knowing they are promoting a secure and drug-free environment.
