Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a lengthy history of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection timeframe of up to around three months for identifying alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, moderately tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirming results. For EtG assessments, additional panels, and/or tests beyond ten panels, a 150mg sample size is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair; body hair includes other types ( e.g., facial, axillary).
Procedure Summary
The laboratory procedure of processing drug test results involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing within the laboratory's framework. This involves verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry not facilitated by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening serves as a preliminary quick evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screening outcome requires confirmation to be legally viable. Samples preliminarily identified as positive during Screening necessitate a second confirmation.
In scenarios where a sample is preliminarily positive during the Screening stage, more hair is retrieved from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
The Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples suspected of being positive undergo a cleansing process as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of Hair Drug Testing:
Constraints:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself and not the underlying follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Butler, AL: Hair testing provides an edge over traditional urine tests with its ability to detect drug use over a much longer period. Not only does it enhance detection accuracy, but it also offers a more comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
By offering superior reliability and a more extended detection window compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing establishes itself as a more effective tool for ensuring a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Butler, AL: Hair follicle testing is invaluable for its ability to trace drug use over an extensive period, often up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with crucial insights into an employee's or applicant's substance use history.
With a longer detection window, hair tests offer a detailed look into past substance use, benefiting organizations seeking detailed assessments for drug-free workplace policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Butler, AL: Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the potential for tampering, offering results that are both dependable and difficult to contest. They ensure the integrity of the sample, which is vital for obtaining trustworthy results.
With their robust resistance to adulteration, hair tests serve as an authoritative means of drug testing, providing assurance and confidence in the results delivered.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Butler, AL: With testing centers spread across the nation, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Our locations are designed to provide quick and seamless service, ensuring efficiency for all clients.
The wide availability of testing sites enhances convenience for businesses and individuals, making drug testing an accessible and stress-free process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Butler, AL: The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and maintains complete confidentiality. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of access.
By guaranteeing confidentiality and a user-friendly approach, we provide a seamless testing experience that respects client privacy and personal ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Butler, AL: Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and expedient turnaround times, presenting significant value for businesses of varying sizes.
Quick and cost-effective, our testing solutions deliver excellent peace of mind, ensuring that employers can meet their needs without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Butler, AL: Hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in their precision, delivering rapid results that are highly dependable. By detecting substance use accurately, these tests ensure that decisions based on their results are informed and reliable.
In comparison to other testing methods, hair analysis boasts a superior detection capability, offering results that are both swift and trustworthy, emphasizing its effectiveness for accurate substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Butler, AL: Hair follicle testing plays a vital role in adhering to workplace drug-free policies. By employing these tests, employers mitigate legal risks and reinforce workplace safety, ensuring peace of mind.
Utilizing hair testing as a standard procedure aids employers in maintaining a compliant and secure workplace, thereby enhancing overall productivity and safety standards.