Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has garnered a reputation as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can deliver up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. This method is easy to collect, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 strands of hair (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, deemed the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for substance use. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be permissible in court. Samples that test preliminarily positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample tests preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the starting specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing stands as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Borden Springs, AL, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing with its superior detection accuracy. Why choose hair tests? They uncover drug use over a longer period, offering reliability not seen in urine tests. With urine tests, recent use may be detected, but hair tests provide a comprehensive view, minimizing the chances of errors and ensuring a more complete analysis.
Hair follicle testing in Borden Springs, AL, stands out due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days. Long-term insights into substance use help employers evaluate an individual's history comprehensively. This extended timeframe far exceeds the capabilities of traditional testing methods, providing a fuller picture of drug activity.
Employers in Borden Springs, AL, often prefer hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant qualities. By dramatically reducing the risk of sample adulteration, hair tests ensure the integrity of results. This method is designed to eliminate uncertainty, offering trusted and undisputable findings for critical employment and legal decisions.
Access to testing in Borden Springs, AL, is seamless with our nationwide and local centers. Convenient locations ensure that no matter where you are, testing is accessible and straightforward. This wide network minimizes travel and waiting times, making the testing process as efficient as possible for individuals and businesses alike.
The hair follicle testing process in Borden Springs, AL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, the process prioritizes ease of use and privacy. Seamless procedures ensure confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining straightforward interactions and quick turnarounds.
In Borden Springs, AL, hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround. Employers of all sizes benefit from affordable options that provide value and assurance. Quick result delivery coupled with reasonable rates enhances peace of mind, allowing for informed decision-making without breaking the budget.
Hair follicle drug tests in Borden Springs, AL, deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of hair testing allows for thorough detection of substance use. Fast and efficient, these tests offer a high accuracy level that is difficult to achieve with other methods. Timely results ensure decisions can be made swiftly, supporting urgent needs.
Choosing hair follicle tests in Borden Springs, AL, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The peace of mind that comes from knowing tests are reliable and align with legal standards is invaluable. Employers can confidently enforce policies, minimizing risks and fostering a safer work environment.
