Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. Collected near the scalp, hair can show alcohol and drug use for up to about a 3-month period. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels beyond 10, it's advisable to use 150mg of the specimen. Measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair refers to other types of hair (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-conscious method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Any samples testing positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
To confirm any positive screening findings, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples testing positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to oversight under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Winchester, AR, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are evident. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analysis can detect substances up to 90 days.
The superiority of hair testing lies in its reliability and accuracy for long-term detection, making it hard to evade compared to urine tests.
For zero-tolerance policies, hair examinations are preferred due to their consistent results and longer detection window.
Hair follicle testing in Winchester, AR offers a significant benefit: a prolonged detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to comprehensively review an individual's substance history.
Compared to other testing methods, hair analysis provides a detailed overview of an applicant's drug use, ensuring a more informed decision-making process.
Employers gain a clear insight into any potential substance issues a candidate may have faced in the past.
In Winchester, AR, hair follicle tests represent a nearly tamper-proof method of substance screening. This method drastically minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration, offering reliable and unquestionable results.
As adulteration concerns grow, hair testing stands out as a robust choice due to its minimal risk for tampering, making it a secure option for businesses.
Employers can feel confident in the authenticity and integrity of the test results obtained.
With convenient locations nationwide including local options in Winchester, AR, accessing hair follicle testing services is both quick and seamless.
The network of testing centers allows easy and hassle-free scheduling, providing flexibility for individuals and employers alike.
Ensuring that testing needs are met efficiently, our centers facilitate a streamlined process from registration to results.
In Winchester, AR, the process of hair follicle testing emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering tests and obtaining results is straightforward, ensuring privacy for all parties.
The process is designed to address any privacy considerations while maintaining ease of use throughout.
Understanding the importance of confidentiality, our methods guarantee that concerns are managed with the utmost care.
Employers in Winchester, AR benefit from our affordable pricing and efficient hair follicle testing. The service provides exceptional value without compromising on reliability.
Quick turnaround times ensure that businesses of all sizes receive timely results, bolstering organizational decision-making processes.
Our competitive pricing structure aligns with quality services, making proficient testing accessible for diverse needs.
In Winchester, AR, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision in detecting substance use. The meticulous testing method ensures reliable results without undue delay.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing in capturing past substance use is unparalleled. It not only guarantees fast outcomes but also assures employers of the tests' trustworthiness and dependability.
Expanding on its strengths, this testing method promptly delivers results while maintaining top-tier accuracy.
Employers in Winchester, AR find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug policies and significantly reduces any potential legal complications.
The compliance with drug-free policies heightens workplace safety and instills trust among employees.
Implementing a consistent testing program helps maintain a safety-conscious working environment, ensuring corporate standards are upheld responsibly.