Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust approach for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can yield nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other narcotics. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The quartet of key steps in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial management of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as an economical method to eliminate substance usage in most samples, positive screens necessitate confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening need a secondary verification.
Should a specimen indicate presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive collections are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bolling, AL: Hair follicle tests offer superior accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. They provide a longer detection window, making them more reliable in capturing substance use history. Employers prefer this method for its comprehensive and accurate analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Bolling, AL: Hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding in hiring decisions or ongoing employment assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bolling, AL: Hair follicle tests offer a significant reduction in sample tampering risks. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are difficult to adulterate, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results for employers and institutions requiring stringent testing criteria.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bolling, AL: Accredited Drug Testing facilitates quick and hassle-free access through its broad range of nationwide centers. This ensures efficient and seamless testing experiences for clients in Bolling and beyond.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bolling, AL: Our testing process is both straightforward and confidential, designed to protect privacy throughout ordering, sample collection, and receiving results. Clients can be assured of ease and discretion at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bolling, AL: Offering competitive pricing and swift result delivery, our services provide excellent value for employers of all sizes. This combination ensures affordability and rapid response, supporting business needs efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bolling, AL: Hair follicle drug testing in Bolling ensures precision and quick turnaround times. Known for its high accuracy in identifying substance use, this method provides reliable outcomes that employers trust. With its rapid processing, the results help in making informed decisions promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bolling, AL: Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing employers with peace of mind and a secure work environment.
