Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. With hair samples taken near the scalp, there's potential for up to a three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the recommended sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we're specifically referring to scalp hair; body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, involving the sample's entry into the lab's system. This includes confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. While it serves as an affordable method to determine drug use for the majority of cases, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to implement.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes occurs through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the lab procedure is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
Shannon Hills, AR, recognizes the superiority of hair follicle testing over urine tests, showcasing numerous benefits:
Hair follicle testing in Shannon Hills, AR, offers an extensive detection window, monitoring substance use for up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history. By providing a more comprehensive view, this method supports informed decision-making for both applicants and current employees, assisting in maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace.
In Shannon Hills, AR, hair follicle testing is valued for its high resistance to tampering. This method nearly eliminates the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results.
Shannon Hills, AR, benefits from a network of convenient testing centers through Accredited Drug Testing. With locations nationwide, accessing reliable hair follicle testing services is fast and hassle-free. These easily accessible centers allow for:
Hair follicle testing in Shannon Hills, AR, features a straightforward and confidential process.
Shannon Hills, AR, offers affordable hair follicle testing with swift turnaround times. Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and quick results, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Key features include:
The hair follicle drug tests in Shannon Hills, AR, are renowned for their fast and accurate results. These tests stand out due to their high precision, allowing for reliable detection of substance use.
Employers in Shannon Hills, AR, experience peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Using this testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Employers benefit from: