Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. This technique captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair's fiber as it grows. Hair gathered near the scalp can show up to a roughly 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, it's relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG enhancements and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. 'Head hair' specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning focuses on incorporating a sample into the lab's system. This phase ensures sample integrity post-sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry lacking from electronic tracking systems.
Screening provides an expedited evaluation for drug substances. While Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive indication must be substantiated for legal acceptance. Presumptive positive findings in Screening mandate further verification.
Presumptive positives from Screening lead to more hair being extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than those found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation for any positive Screening results is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. All samples showing presumptive positives undergo washing as necessary prior to confirmation. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and aligns with the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation protocols.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Camp Hill, AL: Hair tests stand out due to their extended detection span and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair samples can reveal drug use over much longer periods. This characteristic provides employers with more comprehensive insights, enhancing the reliability of the overall screening process.
Extended Detection Window in Camp Hill, AL: The power of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe allows employers a thorough view into an individual's substance history, making it a perfect tool for assessing long-term behaviors and overcoming the limitations of shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Camp Hill, AL: Hair follicle tests stand out for their resistance to tampering. They greatly minimize the possibilities of sample adulteration, thus providing results that are both trustworthy and beyond dispute, ultimately offering peace of mind to employers and test administrators alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Camp Hill, AL: Our widespread testing centers ensure prompt and hassle-free access to testing services. Whether nationwide or local, these centers provide convenience, allowing individuals and employers easy access to necessary testing facilities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Camp Hill, AL: Our process for ordering and conducting tests, as well as receiving results, is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy, making the entire procedure seamless and secure for all participants, ensuring all results remain private.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Camp Hill, AL: We boast competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This combination provides exceptional value and peace of mind to businesses of all sizes, ensuring that conducting important drug tests doesn't break the bank yet delivers results promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Camp Hill, AL: Hair follicle tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness. They offer unparalleled accuracy in substance detection, ensuring that results are dependable and consistent. Their ability to quickly deliver results makes them a preferred choice for ensuring clear, undeniable evidence of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Camp Hill, AL: Employing hair follicle testing aids in enforcing drug-free workplace policies. This method helps maintain compliance, minimizes legal implications, and significantly enhances workplace safety, offering employers a reliable solution for employee substance monitoring.
