Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means of identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures markers within the fibers during its growth, offering a detailed history of drug and alcohol use. When collected close to the scalp, it can reveal substance usage for nearly a three-month period. The collection of hair is straightforward, its tampering is relatively challenging, and it can be easily sent for further analysis.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial and confirmatory screening. For tests involving EtG, extras, or those exceeding 10 panels, a larger sample of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advised. In cases where scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair only, while 'body hair' encompasses all other forms of hair (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
There are four core steps in lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, issues a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data omitted from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary inspection to detect drug abuse. Although it is cost-efficient for ruling out drug usage on a majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with an apparent positive in the Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows an initial positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the existing sample for the Extraction process. In this stage, drug extraction happens at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening more complex.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with preliminary positives are thoroughly washed before confirmation if necessary. The overall lab process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—adheres to both the CAP Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Superiority over Urine Testing
Hair follicle testing in Bazemore, AL, offers distinct advantages over urine tests. While urine tests are useful for recent detection, hair tests provide a broader history of substance use, enhancing the decision-making process for employers.
Enhanced Detection Accuracy
Unlike urine tests, which may miss some long-term drug use cases, hair tests in Bazemore deliver superior detection capabilities, making them a preferable choice for comprehensive drug testing.
Extending the Detection Timeline
Bazemore, AL, offers hair follicle testing that can track drug use for up to 90 days, providing employers with information on an individual's longer-term substance history, which can be vital for informed employment decisions.
Comprehensive Substance Insight
The extended window of detection ensures that employers in Bazemore gain insightful data about a subject's drug use patterns over months, rather than mere days.
Secure and Tamper-Proof Testing
Hair follicle tests in Bazemore, AL, significantly reduce alteration risks when compared to other methods. This security measure ensures that the test results remain credible and indisputable.
Confidence in Results
The resistance to tampering provided by hair follicle testing offers reassurance to employers and legal authorities that the data reflects true drug use patterns without manipulation.
Nationwide Accessibility
Hair follicle testing is conveniently accessible across Bazemore, AL, and nationwide. Our extensive network allows easy and efficient access to testing services wherever needed.
Local and Easy Access
In Bazemore, testing facilities are strategically positioned to provide hassle-free service. This setup ensures rapid accessibility for all testing requirements.
Streamlined and Confidential Process
In Bazemore, AL, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease from ordering to result retrieval, addressing client concerns holistically.
Effortless Testing Experience
The straightforward procedures in Bazemore make the hair testing not only private but also user-friendly, enhancing the overall testing experience for all parties involved.
Cost-Effective Solutions
In Bazemore, AL, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality or speed, providing significant value to businesses.
Rapid Turnaround for Results
Our swift processing times in Bazemore ensure quick results, allowing companies to proceed responsibly without delays, optimizing operational efficiency.
Accurate and Swift Detection
In Bazemore, AL, the precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug testing are unparalleled. The technique stands out for its ability to deliver highly accurate results that identify substance use with remarkable clarity, aiding in swift decision-making.
Consistency in Results
The hair follicle drug tests in Bazemore are reliable and consistent, minimizing the likelihood of false positives or negatives. This reduces the ambiguity linked with traditional testing methods.
Compliance Assurance
For employers in Bazemore, AL, integrating hair follicle testing aids in complying with drug-free workplace policies. This strategy helps in avoiding legal issues while maintaining a safe work environment.
Promoting Workplace Safety
The use of hair testing supports employers in Bazemore by ensuring employees adhere to safety regulations, fostering a secure work culture and minimizing risk.
