Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair offers around a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we reference head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial input of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process verifies the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial superficial examination for drugs of abuse. Screening offers a cost-efficient means to negate drug usage in the bulk of samples; however, a positive screen mandates confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are obtained from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening compared to other methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The overall lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coosada, AL. In comparison to traditional urine assessments, hair testing stands out for its advanced detection capabilities and reliability. The superior accuracy and comprehensive results make it a preferred option.
Hair tests provide a broader detection scope compared to urine tests. This ability to identify substance use over an extended period showcases their effectiveness in reinforcing drug-free workplace policies.
Extended Detection Window in Coosada, AL. Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days for previous drug use. This provides employers with a thorough assessment of an individual’s substance history.
With its long detection period, hair testing equips companies with detailed insight into past substance use, fostering informed employment and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coosada, AL. The design of hair follicle tests inherently minimizes the risk of tampering or adulteration, ensuring authentic and verifiable results every time.
The robust nature of hair testing makes it nearly impossible to alter samples, thereby guaranteeing the integrity and trustworthiness of the collected data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coosada, AL. Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including Coosada, facilitates straightforward access to testing services.
Easily accessible testing locations make the process smooth and efficient, allowing individuals and companies to engage in essential testing without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coosada, AL. Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease for users from initial order to result receipt.
The process is designed to address user concerns by offering a discreet and uncomplicated experience, enhancing overall client satisfaction and comfort.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coosada, AL. We offer cost-effective hair follicle testing with rapid processing times, providing excellent value and assurance to enterprises of varied sizes.
Competitive pricing structures and swift result delivery make our testing services an attractive option, enhancing affordability without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coosada, AL. Hair follicle testing offers unmatched precision and speed. This method excels in detecting substance use accurately, ensuring reliable results for concerned employers.
Recognized for its precision, hair testing swiftly identifies substance traces, making it the go-to option for those prioritizing accuracy. The process is designed for quick turnarounds, facilitating timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coosada, AL. Employing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, minimizing legal liabilities and promoting a secure work environment.
This method reassures employers of compliance with industry standards, contributing to safer, more productive workplace dynamics, and enhancing overall organizational integrity.
