Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as a robust method, hair testing is vital for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended history of alcohol and other substances. A sample collected near the scalp can provide an approximately three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, alteration is somewhat challenging, and transportation is convenient.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" implies scalp hair exclusively, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four phases in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the process of incorporating a sample into a lab’s framework. This stage confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry not incorporated by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid assessment for drugs subject to abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to qualify for court admissibility. Any samples marked as presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
Following a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this examination evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Carlton, AL, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing by offering superior detection reliability and accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which may only detect recent use, hair testing uncovers substance history over a more extended period. Employers benefit from a clear and comprehensive analysis, making hair tests ideal for policies that demand stringent drug use detection. This advantage solidifies hair tests as the favored option for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests in Carlton, AL, provide a prolonged detection window, capturing drug use over up to 90 days. This capability gives employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use patterns, far exceeding the short-term window offered by urine tests. This extended detection period ensures that employers can accurately assess the suitability of potential or current employees, aiding in maintaining a substance-free workplace.
In Carlton, AL, hair follicle testing stands out for its resistance to tampering, offering a secure testing method that minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine samples, which can be manipulated, hair tests are collected in an observed manner, ensuring authenticity. This method guarantees that the results obtained are credible and trustworthy, providing peace of mind to employers that rely on accurate data to maintain drug-free environments.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, and local options in Carlton, AL, Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access to their services. This widespread network ensures that individuals and employers can easily locate a testing center, facilitating timely and efficient drug testing procedures. This ease of access is a cornerstone of the services offered, ultimately simplifying the testing process for all involved.
The process for hair follicle testing in Carlton, AL, is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use. From ordering the test to obtaining results, every step is designed to keep client information secure. Individuals can take solace in knowing their privacy is protected, with results delivered directly and discreetly. This confidentiality is a priority, enhancing the overall client experience with Accredited Drug Testing.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Carlton, AL, making hair follicle testing an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. Cost-effectiveness is paired with quick result times, ensuring excellent value without compromising on quality. These affordability factors make it easier for employers to implement necessary testing regimens conducive to maintaining a safe work environment.
Hair follicle tests offer a blend of precision and speed in Carlton, AL, making them a go-to option for accurate substance detection. These tests provide quick results without sacrificing accuracy, ensuring substance use is reliably detected. The laboratory processes involved are fine-tuned to deliver definitive results, enhancing the reliability of workplace drug testing methods. This accuracy makes them a favored choice for employers needing a trustworthy testing method.
Employing hair follicle testing in Carlton, AL, offers employers compliance and peace of mind, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. These tests reduce legal risks and bolster workplace safety by providing reliable drug use detection. Employers can trust in the accuracy and integrity of hair follicle results, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant working environment for all employees.
