Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of drug and alcohol use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it can offer a detection range of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional testing, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedural stages in a laboratory for processing drug test results consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples that give a presumptive positive result in Screening require an additional confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Satsuma, AL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection reliability. Hair tests excel in identifying long-term substance use, providing consistent and superior accuracy compared to urine screenings.
Employers and institutions benefit immensely from its robust detection capabilities.
Hair follicle examinations in Satsuma, AL provide extended detection periods of up to 90 days. This prolonged window offers employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history.
Through this extended timeframe, organizations can assess applicants or employees more thoroughly and effectively.
Hair follicle evaluations in Satsuma, AL, greatly minimize the possibilities of sample contamination. This testing approach reinforces trust, ensuring results remain unaffected by tampering attempts. Such inherent reliability makes it a favored choice among discerning employers.
Satsuma, AL benefits from the convenient breadth of our nationwide test centers. With local presence and broad coverage, accessing our testing services is prompt, easy, and unobstructed. Hassle-free testing is always within reach.
The hair follicle testing process in Satsuma, AL, highlights a confidential and straightforward experience. From ordering to obtaining results, the steps are designed to ensure ease and privacy. Any privacy concerns are addressed through this simplified approach.
Competitive pricing and rapid result times form the backbone of our hair follicle testing in Satsuma, AL. Our affordable rates coupled with quick turnarounds offer substantial value, meeting the needs of businesses both big and small.
Peace of mind is guaranteed.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Satsuma, AL are unmatched. Known for their exceptional accuracy, these tests provide fast and reliable results in identifying substance use. With a method designed for swift and precise detection, hair follicle testing stands out in delivering trustworthy conclusions.
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace at Satsuma, AL, assures employers of adherence to drug-free mandates, mitigating any legal implications, and bolstering workplace safety. Compliance with these policies not only reduces risks but also fortifies overall vigilance.
