Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers in the hair strand capture biomarkers, providing an extended history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprised of about 200 strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, optimal for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or over 10-panel testing, 150mg is advised. It’s suggested to weigh the specimen on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be substituted. When discussing head hair, it exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary step where a sample is entered into the lab system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any non-electronic chain of custody system data.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs further validation to be court-admissible. Positive screens in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
For presumptive positives in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower levels than in other methods like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug analysis particularly complex.
Post-screening positive results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire testing sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is misleading as the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Testing Over Urine Testing
In Chester, AR, hair follicle testing is increasingly recognized for its superior accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. While traditional urine tests detect recent drug use, hair testing extends its detection window, identifying drug use over a span of 90 days. This comprehensive view allows employers to implement effective drug-free workplace policies that align with their organizational goals.
Enhanced Detection Accuracy
Hair follicle testing offers a more consistent and reliable detection method than traditional urine tests. In Chester, AR, employers and judicial systems are turning to this method due to its ability to unearth long-term substance use reliably, providing an effective alternative for ensuring compliance and safety in various settings.
Longer Detection Period With Hair Testing
In Chester, AR, hair follicle testing captures an extended detection window, providing an accurate reflection of an individual's drug use spanning nearly 90 days. This reveals a historical view that empowers employers with valuable insights into an applicant or employee's past substance usage, assisting in making more informed and responsible hiring decisions.
A Comprehensive Drug Use History
Employers in Chester rely on hair follicle testing for a thorough understanding of candidates' substance history. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection period, hair tests evaluate drug use over several months, offering a comprehensive perspective that aids in maintaining workplace safety and integrity.
Reducing Sample Manipulation Risks
Hair follicle testing in Chester, AR, significantly lowers the chances of tampering with samples. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair testing provides a secure and reliable method to ensure the authenticity of collected samples, thus delivering results that reflect true substance use patterns and offering peace of mind to employers.
Assured Testing Integrity
The structure of the hair sample minimizes opportunities for sample adulteration, making hair follicle testing a preferred choice in Chester. This method guarantees the integrity of the test, as it is nearly impossible to substitute or alter hair samples, ensuring that the results are an accurate reflection of an individual's drug use history.
Convenient Testing Facilities Nationwide
With centers located nationwide, including Chester, AR, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies access to hair follicle testing services. Our expansive network ensures that whether you're near or far, finding a location is easy and convenient, helping you maintain necessary testing routines without hassle.
Accessible and Hassle-Free Testing
Chester residents can easily access our drug testing facilities. Our straightforward process, combined with numerous testing locations, ensures that individuals and employers experience minimal disruptions, while still benefiting from the comprehensive testing services tailored to meet diverse needs efficiently.
Effortless Testing Operations
In Chester, AR, ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test is easily managed through our confidential and streamlined process. From appointment scheduling to sample collection and receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use, addressing any confidentiality concerns for both individuals and employers.
Confidentiality Assured
Ensuring privacy and simplicity, our hair testing process in Chester protects users' confidential information. Experience a seamless service where ordering, testing, and results are handled discreetly, meeting both personal needs and professional standards, while keeping all data secure and private.
Cost-Effective Solutions for Employers
At Accredited Drug Testing in Chester, AR, we pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, coupled with fast turnaround times. Our pricing models are designed to suit companies of various sizes, providing a cost-effective way to implement reliable drug testing policies and maintaining a high standard of workplace integrity.
Quick and Budget-Friendly Testing
Chester businesses can rely on our affordable hair follicle testing services, which deliver prompt results. Without compromising quality and reliability, our services ensure that employers can maintain a safe and compliant environment without significant financial burden, reinforcing efficient workplace operations.
Precision and Speed of Hair Follicle Testing
In Chester, AR, the reliability and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug testing stand out. This method offers exceptional accuracy in identifying substance usage, outpacing the more erratic results often associated with urine testing. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure that results are not only rapid but also consistently precise, helping employers make informed decisions with confidence.
Unmatched Reliability
What sets hair follicle testing apart in Chester is its unparalleled accuracy. By analyzing the hair's keratin matrix, this testing method provides a precise snapshot of a person's substance use history. Employers benefit from this-reliable method, receiving results that significantly improve decision-making processes regarding employee or candidate evaluations.
Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace
Employers in Chester, AR, benefit from the compliance and reassurance offered by hair follicle testing. Its ability to provide reliable drug detection supports robust drug-free workplace policies and reduces legal risks, enabling organizations to create safer and more productive environments while ensuring adherence to regulatory obligations.
Strengthening Compliance
By implementing hair follicle testing, Chester employers ensure compliance with workplace substance policies. This reliable testing method helps mitigate legal issues and provides employers peace of mind, knowing their work environment is upheld to the highest safety and regulatory standards, reinforcing a culture of responsibility.