Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have emerged as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a lengthy record of alcohol and drug usage by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window for alcohol and drugs lasting up to roughly 3 months. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A representative sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair. Body hair denotes any other hair varieties (face, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the preliminary preparation of a sample into a lab’s system. This process confirms that the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data input absent in an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening conducts an initial expeditious examination for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug usage for most samples, results showing a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples displaying a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
If the sample evidences a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is derived from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. Through this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at markedly lower concentrations than those in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening ranks as the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any Screening positives is executed through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, if necessary. The comprehensive lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Round Pond, AR, hair testing emerges as the superior option. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests overshadow urine tests by offering a broader detection timeframe and higher sensitivity to drug traces. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide an indisputable and comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Round Pond, AR, offers an extended detection window, far surpassing other methods. It analyzes substance use up to 90 days prior, presenting a comprehensive history for employers to assess. This extensive timeframe enables a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance habits, aiding in more informed hiring or retention decisions.
In Round Pond, AR, hair follicle testing leads the charge in tamper-resistant evaluation methods. By significantly minimizing risks associated with sample adulteration, hair tests provide results that stand up to scrutiny. This ensures that the findings are both reliable and beyond question, crucial for settings demanding high standards of integrity and accuracy.
Round Pond, AR, benefits from convenient access to numerous nationwide testing facilities. These centers make drug testing an easily accessible and hassle-free experience. Whether local or elsewhere, testing can be done swiftly, providing individuals and businesses the flexibility and convenience needed for timely and effective drug testing procedures.
In Round Pond, AR, simplicity and confidentiality are paramount in the drug testing process. From ordering to result reception, each step is designed to be straightforward and private. Concerns about privacy are eliminated, ensuring ease of use from start to finish, leaving clients assured that their information remains secure and confidential.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our services in Round Pond, AR, provide outstanding value. Affordable options ensure that businesses of all sizes can benefit from our quick and dependable testing solutions, reinforcing peace of mind and efficient operations within varied organizational budgets.
In Round Pond, AR, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing are unparalleled. This method not only offers high accuracy but also provides timely insights into substance use. By detecting drug traces within hair strands, these tests ensure results that are both fast and reliable, allowing individuals and organizations to make informed decisions with confidence and efficiency.
Employers in Round Pond, AR, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, they ensure legal compliance, reducing risks and promoting a safe work environment. This method supports maintaining high safety standards and helps avoid potential legal complications, creating a secure and compliant atmosphere for all employees.
