Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the strands, hair offers an extensive history of substance use. When hairs are collected near the scalp, they provide a detection duration for alcohol and other substances spanning up to roughly 3 months. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hairs (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for assessing the specimen weight. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifies only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four pivotal phases in lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This step confirms that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any remaining data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial preliminary check for substance misuse. Screening is a cost-effective approach to negate drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample is taken as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most arduous methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result transpires via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
For those in Robertsdale, AL, hair follicle testing offers an unbeatable edge over traditional urine tests.
Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a longer detection window, allowing for a comprehensive review of substance use over extended periods.
The accuracy and reliability of hair tests mean they're less susceptible to tampering, ensuring trustworthy results that meet rigorous standards of verification and scrutiny.
In Robertsdale, AL, one of the striking advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a long period.
With up to a 90-day detection window, employers gain substantial insights into an individual's substance history, providing a comprehensive snapshot.
This extended window is pivotal for making informed hiring decisions, promoting a zero-tolerance workplace policy effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Robertsdale, AL is praised for its tamper-resistant qualities.
The testing process significantly curtails the risk of adulteration, ensuring the results are reliable and credible.
Unlike other methods, where sample manipulation can skew outcomes, hair testing provides authentic results.
This reliability makes it an ideal choice for those seeking unquestionable accuracy in drug testing procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with numerous testing centers in Robertsdale, AL and across the nation.
Our widespread locations mean you can access testing services effortlessly, without the hassle.
This extensive network allows for quick, efficient, and stress-free testing, whether locally or nationally, meeting your needs for availability and accessibility.
In Robertsdale, AL, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential.
From ordering the test to collecting hair samples and receiving results, the entire process ensures privacy and ease of use.
Concerns over confidentiality are addressed with our secure protocols, making it simple for individuals and companies to undertake testing with peace of mind.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround in Robertsdale, AL, hair follicle drug tests provide excellent value.
Businesses of any size benefit from our cost-effective services, ensuring maximum return on investment.
With prompt results and budget-friendly pricing, companies can maintain stringent drug policies without financial strain, making it a pragmatic choice.
In Robertsdale, AL, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its remarkable precision and swiftness.
It delivers results that are consistently reliable and quick, making it a preferred choice for detecting substances.
With high accuracy, this testing method ensures comprehensive insights into substance use, offering valuable information for decision-making processes.
Employers and individuals alike benefit from its unparalleled effectiveness.
Employers in Robertsdale, AL find peace of mind and compliance assurance with hair follicle testing.
This method helps adhere to drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities and enhancing overall safety.
The thoroughness of hair tests ensures that employers can trust the results, fostering a safer, compliant working environment for everyone involved.