Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers as it grows, offering a timeline of alcohol and drug history. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over an approximate period of three months. It's straightforward to collect, resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (similar to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, an ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extensions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale for accurate weighing of the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, body hair in equivalent amounts can be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test samples involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails integrating the sample into the laboratory’s system, ensuring it is sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial evaluation for possible drug use. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to rule out drug presence in most samples, a confirmed positive result is required for legal applications. Any sample testing positive in the Screening phase necessitates a secondary confirmation.
With a positive Screening result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in methodologies like urine or oral fluid testing, highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive findings from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed beforehand if necessary. The complete procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to standards set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strands rather than the follicles underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Belle Fontaine, AL
Employers and individuals in Belle Fontaine, AL find hair follicle tests to be superior to conventional urine tests. The exceptional detection accuracy of hair testing offers unparalleled reliability. Unlike urine tests, which may only detect recent substance use, hair testing provides a broader scope of analysis, offering insights into long-term habits, thus ensuring thorough screening.
Extended Detection Window in Belle Fontaine, AL
Hair follicle tests allow professionals to dig deeper into an individual's substance use history. With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, this method provides a clear image of a person's long-term substance use. Employers gain a better understanding of applicants' or employees' habits, facilitating informed decision-making in hiring and retention processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Belle Fontaine, AL
Hair follicle testing stands out by significantly minimizing the potential for sample adulteration. Unlike other methods, it's virtually impossible to alter hair samples, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. This level of integrity is crucial for maintaining the trustworthiness of the testing process, giving everyone peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Belle Fontaine, AL
Our numerous testing centers across the country, including those in Belle Fontaine, AL, guarantee convenience for all clients. Whether you are local or elsewhere, our services are accessible, offering a quick and hassle-free experience for all testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Belle Fontaine, AL
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be simple and confidential. With privacy at the forefront, individuals can trust that their information remains secure, offering ease of use and addressing any concern over personal data handling during the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Belle Fontaine, AL
Our competitive pricing structure combined with fast turnaround times reinforces the exceptional value we offer. Companies of various sizes can manage testing needs economically, ensuring quick results while maintaining budget-friendly options, thus granting peace of mind at every stage.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Belle Fontaine, AL
Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable speed and precision when it comes to detecting substance use. Individuals and employers alike benefit from high accuracy levels, ensuring confidence in the test outcomes. Rapid processing times mean that you can quickly obtain reliable results, reducing waiting periods significantly compared to other testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Belle Fontaine, AL
Implementing hair follicle testing helps businesses in Belle Fontaine, AL maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The reliability of this method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their policies are enforced with precision, supporting a safe and productive environment.
