Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. A sample taken close to the scalp can offer nearly a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to acquire, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be procured, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. In regard to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not addressed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary and rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for the majority of samples, a positive result must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower levels than with alternative approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Any positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to Confirmation as required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ballplay, AL
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, the former stands out due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a much longer detection window, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of substance use over time. This advantage makes hair follicle testing a more effective tool in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Ballplay, AL
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers in Ballplay, AL, to gain a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, providing a more comprehensive assessment in hiring and ongoing employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ballplay, AL
The robustness of hair follicle drug testing in preventing sample adulteration is a major advantage. This testing method significantly reduces the likelihood of tampering, ensuring that results remain reliable and can be trusted. Employers can feel confident in the validity of the test outcomes, providing them with dependable information for decision-making.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ballplay, AL
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a network of nationwide testing centers, providing unmatched convenience for drug testing services. Local locations in Ballplay, AL, ensure that individuals and employers receive timely and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing, making the process smooth and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ballplay, AL
The process of hair follicle testing stands out for its simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering a test, participating in the collection process, and obtaining results are all handled with discretion, addressing concerns about privacy while offering a user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ballplay, AL
Our competitive pricing model ensures that hair follicle testing remains accessible to companies of all sizes. Combined with the fast turnaround of test results, businesses receive excellent value that meets their budgetary requirements without compromising on the quality and reliability of the testing service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ballplay, AL
Hair follicle drug testing offers remarkable precision and speed, making it an ideal solution for detecting substance use. The tests are highly accurate, ensuring that the results reflect true substance consumption patterns. This reliability, coupled with quick processing times, makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for employers seeking efficient screening methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ballplay, AL
Engaging in hair follicle testing helps ensure that workplace drug policies are enforced effectively, minimizing legal risks for employers. This compliance not only fosters a safer work environment but also provides peace of mind that the implemented policies are supported by a reliable testing mechanism.
