Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can showcase a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the hair fiber as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of close to 3 months for substances like alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect hair, moderately challenge to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp generates 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It’s best to measure the specimen with a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be missing, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we imply only scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the introductory handling of a specimen within a laboratory system. This step ensures the specimen's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use in many samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Any samples marking presumptive positives during Screening warrant further confirmation.
Should a sample be marked as presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are removed from hair at concentrations much lower compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), presenting hair drug screening as the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cedar Bluff, AL
Hair follicle testing presents a superior method for drug detection compared to traditional urine tests. Its ability to provide more accurate and reliable results gives it an edge, especially in Cedar Bluff, AL. The extended detection span ensures a comprehensive assessment of substance history, making it a preferred choice for organizations.
Extended Detection Window in Cedar Bluff, AL
With hair follicle tests offering a detection window of up to 90 days, employers in Cedar Bluff, AL gain valuable insights into an individual's substance use history. This extended period allows for a thorough review of past drug activity, providing a broader perspective than shorter urine test windows.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cedar Bluff, AL
In Cedar Bluff, AL, hair follicle testing is valued for its tamper-resistant nature. It significantly mitigates the risk of sample manipulation, assuring stakeholders of the test's integrity. This robust method delivers results that resist adulteration efforts, thus maintaining validity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Options in Cedar Bluff, AL
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Cedar Bluff, AL, provides convenience and accessibility. With numerous locations, accessing our hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free, ensuring a seamless experience for clients across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cedar Bluff, AL
The process of hair follicle testing in Cedar Bluff, AL is designed to be straightforward and private. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is managed confidentially, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use for all individuals involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cedar Bluff, AL
For businesses in Cedar Bluff, AL, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. These benefits ensure companies receive excellent value, enabling them to make informed decisions swiftly without exceeding budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cedar Bluff, AL
In Cedar Bluff, AL, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for delivering swift and precise results. Its ability to accurately detect substance use makes it a top choice for those seeking reliable testing methods. The testing process prioritizes speed without compromising accuracy, ensuring that results are both prompt and dependable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cedar Bluff, AL
Employers in Cedar Bluff, AL benefit from the compliance and peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, it minimizes legal risks and fosters a safer working environment, enhancing trust in the organization's commitment to safety.
