Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Detecting drug and alcohol consumption through hair testing is recognized as a highly effective technique. By embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow, hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and other substances' use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can demonstrate a detection timeframe spanning up to three months for alcohol and other intoxicants. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal sample for evaluation and confirmation requires a 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional testing, and/or more than 10-panel analyses, it's advisable to use 150mg of the specimen. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. In discussing head hair, we mean only the scalp hair. All other hair types like facial, axillary, etc., are categorized as body hair.
Process Overview
A drug test result's laboratory processing involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes an initial step, integrating a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not included via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Though Screening serves as an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Presumptively positive samples from Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positive results during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, the hair's drug concentration is extracted, albeit at lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the toughest method to execute.
Confirmed results from the screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. As necessary, all presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation. The entire lab procedure extends from Accessioning to Confirmation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Athens, AL, is becoming the preferred choice over urine tests owing to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests that cover shorter periods, hair tests reveal drug use patterns over a longer time. This makes them invaluable for employers and legal professionals aiming to maintain stringent anti-drug standards.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing eclipses traditional methods by thoroughly capturing evidence of drug use even when limited to past use up to 90 days. This comprehensive approach grants peace of mind, aiding organizations and legal systems to uphold drug-free regulations effectively and decisively.
With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Athens, AL, offers a far-reaching overview of substance use. This extended period allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history, surpassing the limitations of other testing methods.
The prolonged detection capability of hair testing provides unparalleled insights, enabling more informed decisions whether during the hiring process or for ongoing employment screening. It ensures that employers have a complete perspective on potential or current employees' substance habits, thus enhancing workplace efficacy and safety.
Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, providing reliable and unquestionable results in Athens, AL. Unlike other methods, the chance of tampering is significantly reduced, ensuring authenticity and reliability in drug testing outcomes.
This robust testing method guarantees the integrity of the results, safeguarding against common tampering techniques seen in alternative drug test types. In Athens, businesses and legal entities rely on this tamper-resistant feature to maintain compliance and accurately assess drug use with confidence.
Enjoy the convenience of nationwide testing centers, with local facilities available in Athens, AL. Our network ensures easy and quick access to hair follicle testing, removing the hassle of locating a service provider.
Whether you are in Athens or any other city, our extensive network offers seamless testing access. The presence of local and widespread centers guarantees minimal disruption, providing a streamlined approach to drug testing that fits into your schedule without inconvenience.
In Athens, AL, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to sample collection and receiving results, each step is designed with privacy and ease of use in mind.
The straightforward nature of the hair test process ensures that individuals and businesses can confidently navigate drug testing without concerns for privacy breaches. Athens residents benefit from an efficient and unobtrusive testing procedure, reinforcing a respect for confidentiality in drug screening practices.
Hair follicle testing in Athens, AL, boasts affordable pricing and fast turnaround, delivering excellent value for companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure that businesses can manage costs effectively while benefiting from reliable drug testing services.
The efficiency of the process means quick results without compromising on accuracy, ensuring employers can make timely decisions. Affordable rates coupled with expedited timelines provide a high return on investment, enhancing workplace safety while keeping expenditures in check.
In Athens, AL, hair follicle drug testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method stands out for its top-tier precision in drug detection, outperforming traditional methods. With hair testing, results are not only swiftly delivered but also highly dependable in identifying substance use, offering confidence to employers and individuals alike.
Given the advanced technology employed in hair follicle testing, the accuracy rate of identifying drug usage is notably high. In Athens, AL, residents benefit from the quick yet precise nature of this testing method, reducing the time to ascertain results while ensuring they can trust their reliability, ultimately supporting better decision-making processes.
Employers in Athens, AL, find compliance and peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment.
By implementing hair testing, companies ensure rigorous compliance with workplace regulations, securing a robust framework for managing personnel drug policies. It protects businesses from potential liabilities, fostering a secure and responsible corporate culture.
