Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Chancellor, AL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and further analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory steps for processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves entering a sample into a lab’s records. This process ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data inputs missing in a digital chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial quick assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use in most specimens, any positive screen result must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening require further Confirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is derived from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During this, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva); thus, hair drug analysis remains a complex challenge.

The Confirmation process for any positive Screen results employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo necessary washing before Confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab procedure adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can trace drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is highly difficult, enhancing result reliability.
• Tracks historical consumption: It offers a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Recent usage detection delay: Detecting drugs in hair requires approximately 5-7 days.
• Price: Hair drug testing typically incurs higher costs than other methods.
• Outcome variability: Hair color and personal variation in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chancellor, AL
Hair testing offers superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests, with heightened accuracy and dependability, making it a preferred choice for many.

Advantages Over Urine Tests

• Longer detection periods increase accuracy.
• Harder to tamper with results.
• Improved reliability in detecting substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Chancellor, AL
Hair follicle testing allows for the detection of drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days, providing a thorough evaluation of one's history.

Comprehensive View

• Leverages a longer detection window.
• Offers a broad perspective of substance use history.
• Advantages for employers evaluating applicants.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chancellor, AL
The integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing risks of sample adulteration and supporting trustworthy results.

Ensuring Data Integrity

• Minimized risk of sample tampering.
• Preserves reliability of results.
• Provides confidence in testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chancellor, AL
Our widespread network of testing centers ensures accessibility and convenience, making it easy for clients to access testing services swiftly and without hassle.

Accessibility at Its Best

• Nationwide reach for quick access.
• Local availability in numerous cities.
• Ease of access simplifies the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Chancellor, AL
Our approach guarantees a straightforward and private testing experience, focusing on ease and confidentiality from start to finish.

Transparent and Discreet

• Simplified ordering process.
• Confidentiality at every step.
• User-friendly interface for receiving results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chancellor, AL
We offer competitive pricing plans alongside swift turnaround times, providing excellent value and peace of mind for businesses.

Value and Efficiency

• Competitive pricing structures.
• Quick processing times.
• Cost-effective solutions for all company sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chancellor, AL
Hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision in detecting drug use. It surpasses traditional methods in accuracy, ensuring reliable results quickly.

Precision and Speed

• High accuracy in substance detection.
• Rapid processing time for dependable outcomes.
• Reliable results you can trust.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chancellor, AL
Employers benefit from hair testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safer work environment.

Legal and Safety Advantages

• Compliance with workplace regulations.
• Reduces potential legal issues.
• Promotes a secure workplace environment.

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