Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into an effective means for identifying usage of alcohol and drugs. By embedding biomarkers within the strands, hair delivers an extended chronology of substance use. When sourced near the root, hair can reveal substance usage over an approximate 90-day period. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil’s diameter) will yield 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We propose using a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is suitable. "Head hair" pertains specifically to scalp strands, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of drug test specimens encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within the lab's system, ensuring secure shipment and assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), along with handling any additional data omitted by electronic custody systems.
Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Although a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in many samples, any positive findings in Screening must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples that test presumptively positive require further confirmation.
If a sample returns a presumptive positive during Screening, more strands are extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drug extraction from hair is executed at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair analysis.
Confirmatory testing for positive screenings employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing as needed. The full laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to commonly as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Coffee Springs, AL, opting for hair follicle testing over urine tests offers a range of advantages. Hair testing demonstrates superior detection ability, capturing substance use history over an extended period. Accurate and reliable, it avoids the common pitfalls associated with urine tests, such as false negatives or adulteration, warranting confidence in results and enhancing workplace integrity.
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Coffee Springs, AL, provides insights into drug use over a span of up to 90 days. Unlike shorter-term solutions, this test delivers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. Employers can thoroughly assess an applicant or employee's past, supporting better hiring and retention outcomes through informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing's tamper-resistant nature makes it a preferred choice in Coffee Springs, AL. Its design minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration, providing results that are reliable and unquestionable. This level of security supports organizations and individuals in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and trust in their testing procedures.
In Coffee Springs, AL, the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's extensive testing locations is unparalleled. Our nationwide network simplifies access to drug testing services, ensuring quick and hassle-free procedures. Local and accessible, these centers provide essential support in upholding compliance and workplace safety, making testing accessible to everyone.
Our process in Coffee Springs, AL, is both simple and confidential, ensuring ease of service and privacy for all applicants. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is streamlined and designed to protect personal information. This secure approach alleviates any concerns about privacy while maintaining the highest standards in testing procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing in Coffee Springs, AL, offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, delivering excellent value across businesses of all sizes. With competitive rates and efficient processing, companies can confidently rely on our services to manage employee health and safety without financial strain.
In Coffee Springs, AL, the hair follicle drug test provides a swift and precise method for identifying substance use. It stands out due to its high accuracy in detecting traces that other tests may miss. Faster outcomes and reliable results mean employers can make informed decisions quickly, fostering a safer and more productive work environment.
These tests streamline the drug screening process, ensuring thorough and trusted outcomes.
Ensuring compliance and offering peace of mind, hair follicle tests assist employers in Coffee Springs, AL, with enforcing drug-free workplace policies. They reduce legal risks, ensuring organizations meet regulatory standards while fostering a safer work environment. This method aids in maintaining employee health and upholding company integrity.
