Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective method for detecting substance use, including both drugs and alcohol. It offers a comprehensive historical account by trapping biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over an approximate three-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is preferable. To ensure accuracy, use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be insufficient, a comparable quantity of body hair is an alternative. Here, "head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for processing drug test results is comprised of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the initial, cost-effective examination for substance abuse. It helps eliminate drug use suspicion for most samples, but positive results in this stage must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives require further validation.
Upon a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair from the same specimen is needed for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair, which is more challenging than from other substances like urine or saliva, making hair screening a complex process.
Confirmation of positive findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary before proceeding with confirmation. Throughout the process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, standards set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation are strictly followed.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Brundidge, AL, by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are more effective at identifying long-term drug use, with results that are harder to manipulate, unlike urine testing that mainly reflects recent use. Employers benefit from hair testing's extended detection window, offering a broader insight into substance use histories.
Hair follicle testing in Brundidge, AL, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days compared to other methods. This long-term analysis gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, allowing for informed decision-making. In industries where a clear understanding of an employee's drug history is needed, this feature is highly advantageous.
The hair follicle testing method used in Brundidge, AL, significantly reduces the chance of sample tampering. Once collected, a hair sample provides a reliable and unquestionable account of an individual's drug use history. This robust testing process gives employers assurance in the validity of test results, ensuring no adulteration occurs in the assessment process.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations in Brundidge, AL, as well as nationwide, making the process quick and easy. This wide availability ensures that individuals can access reliable testing services without delay, facilitating a hassle-free experience. Our centers are strategically positioned for optimal accessibility.
The hair follicle testing process in Brundidge, AL, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process prioritizes user privacy, making it both simple and discreet. Our commitment to confidentiality assures that sensitive information remains secure throughout the assessment.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times are key features of our hair follicle testing services in Brundidge, AL. We provide cost-effective solutions that cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value and timely results. Our competitive rates and quick processing make it accessible and efficient.
In Brundidge, AL, hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed when detecting substance use. The detailed analysis provided by these tests ensures high accuracy and reliability. Hair tests stand out because they effectively reveal past drug use, providing results that are both fast and highly reliable, giving employers confidence in the outcomes.
For employers in Brundidge, AL, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind and legal protection. By choosing hair tests, companies can maintain a safe working environment, comply with regulations, and reduce the risk of liabilities associated with workplace substance abuse.
