Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are regarded as a significant method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The growing hair strand encloses markers within its fibers, providing a prolonged timeline for identifying alcohol and other drugs. When cut near the scalp, hair offers an approximately 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and can be easily transported.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core phases in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initiating the introduction of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves checking the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary evaluation for drug misuse. Although it is an economical way to exclude drug use from the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies are used for confirming positive screening outcomes. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation as needed. Each step in the lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the underlying hair follicle.
In Carrollton, AL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing due to its superior detection capability. Hair tests offer a broader snapshot of drug use, with an extended detection window adding reliability; meanwhile, urine tests are limited to recent use. This makes hair testing invaluable for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies, as they can detect substances used up to 90 days prior.
Hair follicle testing in Carrollton, AL, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers a clearer view of an individual’s substance history. This comprehensive analysis is essential in environments where long-term patterns of use are of concern. Unlike urine tests, which provide a short-term snapshot, hair tests reveal consistent usage, invaluable for informed decision-making.
The risk of sample tampering is greatly minimized with hair follicle testing in Carrollton, AL. Adulteration risk is diminished, as these methods provide results that are both reliable and unquestionable. Hair samples, collected under strict protocol, offer confidence that the test data reflects genuine substance use, making them the top choice for secure and dependable drug testing.
In Carrollton, AL, our testing centers offer convenient access to nationwide drug testing services. Whether locally or further afield, our centers make the process quick, easy, and free of hassle. This accessibility ensures timely and efficient drug testing, meeting the needs of employers and individuals alike. Simplifying testing access via numerous locations is our commitment.
The process of hair follicle testing in Carrollton, AL, is straightforward and confidential. From order to results, each step respects privacy and is designed for ease of use. Clients can be assured that their information remains private and that the procedures are user-friendly. Confidentiality and simplicity underscore our testing services, allaying concerns about privacy abuse.
Offering affordable pricing and rapid results, Carrollton, AL, businesses benefit from excellent value in hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times ensure economic efficiency. From small enterprises to large corporations, the advantages of cost-effective and reliable testing are clear, providing peace of mind and quality assurance.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Carrollton, AL, are unparalleled. High accuracy makes them a preferred choice for detecting substance use efficiently. Such tests provide results that one can trust, ensuring the reliability of the data collected. In this town, when the need for prompt and correct results arises, hair testing is the solution that meets these demands seamlessly.
Hair follicle testing in Carrollton, AL, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free regulations, offering employers peace of mind. This method mitigates legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace. By choosing hair tests, companies bolster safety and adherence to policy. It’s an effective step in maintaining a secure and compliant work environment for all employees.
