Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise weighing the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other types of hair (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four primary phases are included in the lab processing of a drug testing result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures that the specimen was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
Screening signifies an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient strategy for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that are provisionally positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumably positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), resulting in hair drug testing being one of the most complex methods to conduct.
Any positive screen result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Memphis, AR: Hair tests offer significant benefits over traditional urine tests. They provide more reliable detection accuracy and longer windows for substance identification. Employers and legal professionals prefer hair testing as it compares favorably in terms of precision and resistance to tampering, ensuring better compliance and safety standards.
Extended Detection Window in West Memphis, AR: Hair follicle testing offers the unique advantage of tracing drug use for up to 90 days. This extended window presents a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history. Whether for employers evaluating potential hires, or existing staff assessments, this method enables a thorough analysis of drug use, affording totally informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Memphis, AR: Hair follicle tests considerably minimize the chances of sample tampering. Unlike more susceptible methods, these tests provide reliable results that remain uncontested. This secure testing mode becomes vital for those needing guaranteed authenticity and confidence in the test outcomes, essential for any regulated environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Memphis, AR: Enjoy the ease of access to Accredited Drug Testing’s network with our widespread centers. From any place in the country, to right here in West Memphis, testing is quick and hassle-free. This vast presence ensures availability to testing services whenever and wherever needed, making it an ultra-convenient choice for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Memphis, AR: The process is straightforward, secure, and respects privacy. Ordering, conducting, and retrieving results is handled discreetly, ensuring confidentiality. The seamless approach addresses privacy concerns while emphasizing ease of use throughout the procedure, granting confidence and comfort to all parties involved in the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Memphis, AR: We provide competitive pricing and swift result delivery across all company sizes. The combination of affordability and rapid processing appeals to diverse business needs, ensuring tremendous value and peace of mind. Prompt turnaround times facilitate seamless operations, proving indispensable during critical decision-making scenarios.
In West Memphis, AR, hair follicle drug testing delivers fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. The precision of detecting substance use through hair analysis outperforms other methods. The quick processing time ensures timely results, making it an efficient choice in urgent situations requiring dependable answers. Whether used by employers or legal entities, these tests stand out for their accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Memphis, AR: Adopting hair follicle testing bolsters compliance with workplace drug policies. This method diminishes legal exposure and enhances safety by asserting a drug-free workplace. Employers gain peace of mind knowing robust measures are in place, contributing positively to overall organizational integrity and environment.
