Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide insight into drug and alcohol exposure over roughly a 3-month span. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is tough to tamper with, and it's easy to send.
A 1.5-inch section from around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We advise weighing the specimen on a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, equivalent body hair may be collected. References to head hair imply scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This step verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective solution to rule out drug presence in most samples, positive findings require confirmation for legal acceptance. All samples testing positive during Screening require further verification.
When a sample shows potential positivity during Screening, extra hair from the initial specimen is prepared for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from hair at lower concentrations, unlike other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid); thus, hair drug testing is considered the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Graysville, AL sees hair follicle testing as a superior choice over conventional urine tests. Hair testing excels in detecting a broader range of substances over an extensive period, proving more difficult to evade. While urine tests capture recent use, hair tests offer a comprehensive view up to 90 days back.
Employers value the robustness of hair follicle tests for maintaining zero-tolerance policies. The observed collection and longer detection window minimize deceitful practices, offering a high degree of trustworthiness unmatched by standard urine testing.
In Graysville, AL, hair follicle drug testing stands out with its extensive detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use history. This comprehensive period offers employers insight into long-term patterns of drug use, beyond the capabilities of shorter-term tests.
The ability to review up to 90 days allows for a thorough assessment of an applicant’s or employee's substance history, aiding employers in making informed decisions about adherence to workplace drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Graysville, AL significantly reduces the possibilities of sample tampering. Due to its nature, altering or contaminating a hair sample is exceptionally challenging, safeguarding the integrity and reliability of the results.
This testing method ensures results are trustworthy and indisputable, providing a dependable defense against efforts to manipulate substance testing outcomes, thus adhering strictly to accurate and honest assessments.
Our extensive network of testing facilities in Graysville, AL, and across the nation simplifies access to hair follicle testing. With convenient local centers, individuals can quickly and effortlessly undergo testing without lengthy travel or delays, easing the process significantly.
The widespread availability ensures a hassle-free experience, catering to the needs of clients regardless of their location, offering seamless service that is easily accessible and efficient.
In Graysville, AL, Accredited Drug Testing streamlines the testing process to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, our protocol ensures privacy is paramount and user experience is straightforward.
The confident confidentiality measures employed safeguard personal information, and the simplicity of the process allows clients to engage with testing services without worry or complication, ensuring peace of mind.
Accredited Drug Testing in Graysville, AL offers competitive pricing coupled with swift turnaround times. This blend of affordability and efficiency ensures companies of all sizes can access excellent value without financial strain, benefiting from our premium services.
The cost-effective nature and prompt result delivery enable businesses to maintain operational continuity while staying within budget, supporting employers in fast-paced, cost-sensitive environments.
In Graysville, AL, hair follicle drug tests offer rapid, precise, and consistent results. Compared to alternative methods, these tests boast superior accuracy in identifying substance use, providing definitive outcomes. Their expedited processing means results are swiftly delivered, helping employers make informed decisions without delay.
The high sensitivity and specificity of hair follicle testing ensure that substance traces are reliably detected. This method confidently identifies drug use with minimal risk of false results, ensuring that decisions based on these tests are made on solid grounds.
Using hair follicle tests in Graysville, AL enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering employers peace of mind. This reliable testing minimizes legal exposure and upholds safety regulations, making it essential for businesses aiming to maintain rigorous standards.
By ensuring employees adhere to drug policies, organizations mitigate risks associated with workplace safety and legal liabilities, reinforcing employer confidence and secure operational environments.
