Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. It offers extended information about substance use by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand fibers. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it is possible to detect alcohol and other drugs for up to a 3-month period. The process of hair collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering and is easy to transport.
Acutting a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, supplementary assessments, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It’s suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is not present, an identical quantity of body hair can be utilized. When discussing head hair, it references scalp hair specifically, while body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing a drug test in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial receipt and processing of a sample within the lab’s system. This stage confirms the proper sealing and transport of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any lacking data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody infrastructure.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for illicit drug use. Although Screening affords a budget-friendly means of excluding drug consumption across most samples, results that are positive at this stage require further confirmation to be considered viable in a legal setting. Samples yielding a presumptive positive result in Screening mandate additional confirmation.
For a sample that indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for further Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair-based drug testing the most challenging method to administer.
Confirmation for any positive result from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples found to be presumptive positive undergo a washing process before confirmation when necessary. The entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and holds accreditation to the ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the examination actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests in Aliceville, AL, the former consistently surpasses in accuracy and dependability. Hair testing provides a broader detection window, allowing for more comprehensive monitoring of drug use.
Urine tests are limited in their detection capabilities, often missing substances used over longer periods. Hair testing, on the other hand, offers a more expansive view of an individual's substance use history, making it a superior choice.
A key advantage of hair follicle testing in Aliceville, AL is its extensive detection period, which can stretch up to 90 days. This offers employers a thorough overview of a candidate or employee's drug use history.
While traditional methods may reveal only recent use, hair tests provide insights into longer-term patterns. This extended window is invaluable for organizations aiming for stricter compliance and safety standards.
Hair follicle testing in Aliceville, AL significantly minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. This testing method ensures results are authentic and tamper-resistant, providing unquestionable outcomes for all stakeholders.
This robust reliability of hair testing stems from its nature, where external substances cannot easily alter or affect the test, making it a trusted option for detecting drug usage.
The convenience of our nationwide and local testing centers in Aliceville, AL means seamless access to hair follicle testing. These centers offer a hassle-free experience for clients, ensuring efficient and accessible services.
Whether you are in Aliceville or any other U.S. city, our testing facilities are conveniently located to cater to all your drug testing needs effortlessly.
Ordering and completing hair follicle tests in Aliceville, AL is straightforward and confidential. The process protects privacy and is easy to follow, ensuring individuals feel secure and informed at each step.
Clients are assured of a smooth experience, from scheduling the test to receiving the results, with confidentiality being a top priority throughout the process.
Our competitive pricing structures in Aliceville, AL for hair follicle tests ensure great value for companies. Quick turnaround times make these services both affordable and efficient, providing peace of mind.
We cater to businesses of various sizes, offering economical solutions without compromising on the quality and speed of test results, thereby making our services accessible to all.
In Aliceville, AL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness. The accuracy of these tests in spotting substance presence is unmatched, providing swift results that are both reliable and highly informative.
Opting for hair testing ensures that you receive fast and precise outcomes, enabling quicker decision-making. These tests can effectively trace past substance use, offering significant insight into an individual's history.
In Aliceville, AL, using hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers gain confidence with this compliant and thorough testing method.
Implementing hair testing underscores an organization's dedication to maintaining a drug-free environment, thereby fostering trust and stability within the workplace while adhering to regulations.
