Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to an estimated 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hairs (roughly pencil-thick) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary options, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When speaking about head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the starting point of processing a sample into the lab’s system. This encompasses verifying proper sealing and delivery of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for illegal substances. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be valid in court. Samples showing presumptive positive outcomes in Screening require an additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most rigorous methodology to accomplish.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive specimen is cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual test analyzes the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
When it comes to drug detection in Blue Ridge, AL, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. Hair tests boast a detection accuracy and reliability which urine tests cannot match. Beyond extended detection windows, hair tests are less susceptible to tampering and offer a clearer, evidence-based approach to maintaining safety in the workplace.
The extended detection window is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in Blue Ridge, AL. Capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests provide employers with a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history. This reflects a more expansive view of individual behaviors compared to traditional methods.
In Blue Ridge, AL, hair follicle testing is known for being resistant to tampering. The observed collection process makes it highly challenging for individuals to alter or adulterate the results intentionally. The integrity of these tests ensures that employers receive unquestionable and trustworthy results.
With a network of convenient nationwide testing locations, including Blue Ridge, AL, accessing testing services is hassle-free. Those seeking hair follicle drug tests can rest assured that there is a location near them, significantly simplifying the testing process for both individuals and companies alike.
The testing process in Blue Ridge, AL is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is designed to ensure user privacy and ease of access. This transparency helps address potential concerns over privacy, providing assurance throughout the testing journey.
Our services in Blue Ridge, AL offer affordable pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. This combination provides unmatched value for organizations, regardless of size, giving employers access to reliable testing that doesn't break their budget while still delivering prompt results.
In Blue Ridge, AL, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy. By analyzing a small sample of hair, these tests quickly and accurately detect substance use, ensuring reliable results every time. Employers benefit immensely from the precision offered, helping them maintain a drug-free workplace environment and make well-informed hiring decisions.
Employers in Blue Ridge, AL gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thus decreasing legal risks and fostering a safer, more secure working environment. Compliance is easily maintained, promoting overall organizational well-being.
