Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is perceived as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. Hair obtained close to the scalp allows detection of drugs and alcohol for nearly a 3-month period. The collection process is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting roughly of 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) collected closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal amount for both testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advised. We recommend weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. The term "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This procedure includes affirming that the sample was securely sealed and sent, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive result needs verification for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations lower than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening presents the greatest challenge among methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in Maytown, AL. Superior detection accuracy and reliability set hair tests apart. While both methods aim to provide insights into a person's drug use, hair testing can reveal broader patterns of use, granting employers a clearer picture of an individual's lifestyle choices and habits over a longer period.
The hair follicle drug test's extended detection window in Maytown, AL, is a key advantage. By detecting drug use over a period of up to 90 days, this method offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. Such a long-term perspective aids employers in understanding applicant or employee behaviors, ensuring informed decisions that align with workplace safety standards.
Hair follicle testing in Maytown, AL, stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature. This testing method minimizes the risk of sample manipulation, thereby offering reliable and unquestionable results. Its design ensures that the integrity of the sample remains intact, providing results that stakeholders can trust and depend on for accuracy in assessments.
Our testing locations in Maytown, AL, and beyond offer convenience and accessibility. With centers nationwide, individuals find accessing required testing services quick and hassle-free. The availability of local facilities ensures that no matter where you are, professional testing options are close at hand, simplifying the process of maintaining workforce compliance.
In Maytown, AL, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Ordering, administering, and receiving test results is streamlined, ensuring privacy and ease of use. This straightforward approach addresses privacy concerns and promotes confidence in the process, allowing participants to navigate the testing procedure with comfort and assurance.
Maytown, AL offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle drug tests. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies, regardless of size, receive excellent value. Quick result times contribute to peace of mind, providing employers and participants with timely insights and facilitating swift decision-making processes in professional settings.
In Maytown, AL, hair follicle drug tests lead the way in speed, accuracy, and reliability. These tests deliver precise results with remarkable efficiency. By analyzing hair samples, testing facilities provide a detailed account of substance use without delay, ensuring that employers and individuals receive answers swiftly. This accuracy is crucial for making informed decisions on employment or other personal matters.
Employers in Maytown, AL benefit from compliance and peace of mind when using hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal risks. By ensuring employees adhere to these standards, companies maintain safer environments, promoting productivity and morale while mitigating concerns related to drug use in the workplace.
