Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair presents an extensive historical record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month detection range for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample amount for analysis. For EtG extensions, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weight is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is suitable. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes any other hair forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The four essential steps in a lab's drug testing process include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a specimen enters the lab’s workflow. This phase involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary drug abuse assessment. Screening is an economical method to exclude drug presence in most samples, yet a positive result must be affirmed to be legally admissible. Any samples that show a positive result during Screening must go through a subsequent confirmation step.
If a sample shows as positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration level compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive results from the screening phase are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing initial positive indications undergo a wash prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation undergoes review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Brookwood, AL, hair follicle tests offer distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. One significant advantage is the superior detection capability, as hair samples provide more consistent and reliable information about an individual's drug use history. Additionally, hair testing is much less susceptible to manipulation, further supporting its credibility and dependability.
In Brookwood, AL, hair follicle testing provides a prolonged detection window, unlike other methods, capturing drug use over a much longer timeframe. By offering detection for up to 90 days, employers can gain insights into a candidate’s or employee's substance consumption history, painting a clear picture of potential long-term drug use to ensure a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle tests in Brookwood, AL, serve as a tamper-resistant method of drug testing. This approach notably minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, as altering or substituting hair samples is exceedingly difficult. The integrity and trustworthiness provided by these tests offer irrefutable results, proving their reliability in instances where accuracy is paramount.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations nationwide and in Brookwood, AL. Our centers offer quick, simple, and hassle-free testing processes. With an extensive network, access to hair follicle testing is seamless, ensuring all populations can effortlessly engage in comprehensive drug testing without delays.
The hair follicle testing process in Brookwood, AL, is designed to be simple and confidential. The ordering procedure is straightforward, and test results are delivered with privacy as a priority. Participants can trust in the transparent process and rest assured that all information remains secure while receiving accurate and prompt feedback.
With a focus on affordable pricing, hair follicle testing in Brookwood, AL, offers excellent value alongside fast turnaround times. Competitive pricing options ensure companies of all sizes can benefit from high-quality testing services without financially overstretching. Enjoy swift services and cost effectiveness for comprehensive drug testing solutions.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests make them a standout option in Brookwood, AL. These tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes, effectively identifying substance presence in the individual. Conducted in a timely manner, these tests meet the demand for immediate results without compromising on accuracy, ensuring dependable insights into substance use.
Employers in Brookwood, AL, can gain peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing to assure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces potential legal ramifications but also enhances overall safety. Through accurate detection and compliance, it safeguards workplaces against the risks associated with substance abuse, promoting healthier work environments.
