Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bay Minette, AL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measuring the sample is advised. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable volume of body hair can be collected. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in laboratory processing of a drug testing result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a specimen within a laboratory's framework. It involves verifying sample sealing and correct shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any essential data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening facilitates a preliminary swift examination for drug misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage for most specimens, a positive finding requires confirmation for court acceptability. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.

Upon a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this process, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other approaches (e.g. urine or oral fluid), signifying hair drug screening as the most labor-intensive methodology.

Confirmation of all positive screening outcomes is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive specimens undergo a cleansing process prior to confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection timeframe.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is particularly challenging to deceive a hair drug test, ensuring result reliability.
• Provides historical data: It can establish a pattern of drug use over a duration, not limited to recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: A span of roughly 5-7 days is needed for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than alternative drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bay Minette, AL

• Hair testing offers a superior detection timeframe in comparison to traditional urine analyses.
• This method is highly acclaimed for its excellent accuracy and dependability.
• Employers can benefit from its invaluable insights into comprehensive drug use patterns over months.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bay Minette, AL

• Hair follicle testing provides an extensive window of detection, uncovering drug use up to 90 days prior.
• This method supports employers in evaluating an individual's substance history thoroughly.
• It delivers a more complete assessment of an applicant's or employee's behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bay Minette, AL

• The risk of sample tampering is significantly minimized with hair follicle tests, ensuring authenticity.
• These tests provide definitive and beyond-questionable outcomes, reassuring employers and authorities of the trustworthiness of results.
• The integrity of hair follicle samples is difficult to compromise, leading to more accurate findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bay Minette, AL

• Our wide network of testing centers across the nation provides unparalleled convenience.
• Testing is quick, straightforward, and accessible, alleviating logistical challenges.
• Local facilities ensure Bay Minette residents have easy access to necessary testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bay Minette, AL

• The process of ordering, completing, and receiving test results is streamlined for user convenience.
• We prioritize confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns to secure user trust.
• The ease and discretion of our testing procedures ensure peace of mind for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bay Minette, AL

• Our competitive pricing structures offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
• Quick result turnaround times enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.
• Offering great service at fair rates provides reassurance to our clients.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bay Minette, AL

• The hair follicle test is renowned for its remarkable precision and speed, providing quick results.
• Its high accuracy ensures reliable detection of substance use, leaving no room for error.
• The efficiency of this testing method aids in faster decision-making for both employers and individuals.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bay Minette, AL

• Adopting hair follicle testing helps maintain adherence to workplace drug-free policies.
• It minimizes potential legal complications, enhancing company safety and legal standing.
• Employers can rest assured of the security and wellness of their work environment.

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