Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains biomarkers in the strands that grow, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period for up to 3 months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, with a low risk of tampering and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil, nearest to the scalp, will weigh around 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or drug panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. The sample can be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The testing process comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This includes verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that’s not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial, concise assessment for drug abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to dismiss most samples, any positive screening necessitates confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening require further confirmation.
A presumptively positive sample during Screening will have more hair extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. In this phase, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methods.
Confirmation of any positive screening result takes place using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that presumptively test positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Salem, AR. Comparing the advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests highlights superior detection capabilities. Hair follicle tests offer increased accuracy and reliability, providing more secure screening results. This method stands out in identifying long-term drug use patterns where urine tests might falter.
Extended Detection Window in Salem, AR. Hair follicle testing offers insight into drug use over an extended period, capturing up to 90 days of history. This comprehensive detection window gives employers a detailed view of an individual's substance habits, facilitating informed decision-making regarding hiring or maintaining employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Salem, AR. Hair follicle tests are renowned for minimizing the risks associated with sample tampering. By providing a more stringent collection process, they ensure results are both reliable and indisputable. This method deters attempts at sample adulteration, upholding the integrity of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Salem, AR. With a network of testing centers spread coast to coast, our services ensure accessibility and ease. Locally available in Salem, AR, these facilities offer quick, convenient drug testing, eliminating barriers and making the process as seamless as possible.
Simple, Confidential Process in Salem, AR. Our drug testing services prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to most straightforward results delivery, our process is designed to ensure privacy and ease. Clients can rely on a secure, user-friendly experience that respects their confidentiality concerns throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Salem, AR. We offer competitive pricing without compromising on speed. With rapid turnaround times, our drug testing services provide exceptional value, ensuring businesses of all sizes can access reliable drug testing solutions without enduring prolonged wait times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Salem, AR. The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. Known for their high accuracy, these tests are adept at identifying substance use with remarkable speed and reliability. This efficiency makes hair tests an ideal choice for timely and trustworthy drug screening initiatives.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Salem, AR. Implementing hair follicle testing supports workplace compliance with drug-free policies, thus reducing potential legal liabilities and boosting overall workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are utilizing a thorough and compliant testing approach.
