Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lasting record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab process of evaluating a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a specimen in the lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Chase, AL - Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests with its superior detection capabilities. Able to identify long-term drug use, hair tests offer unparalleled accuracy and reliability, making them the go-to choice for many employers and authorities concerned with detecting drug abuse effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Chase, AL - Hair follicle testing provides an incredible advantage with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This wide detection window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, enabling informed decisions when assessing applicants or employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Chase, AL - With hair follicle testing, the risk of sample tampering is significantly minimized. This method of drug testing ensures that results remain reliable and unquestionable, offering peace of mind to employers who need accurate and honest assessments of drug use.
Convenient Testing Locations in Chase, AL - Our broad network of testing centers provides easy and convenient access to drug testing services. With locations nationwide, including Chase, Alabama, individuals and companies benefit from quick and straightforward service access, minimizing inconvenience and maximizing efficiency.
Simple and Confidential Process in Chase, AL - The process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Our procedures respect privacy and ease of use, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and secure throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chase, AL - We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests, providing excellent value for businesses. Regardless of company size, our services deliver both affordability and swift results, ensuring confidence and satisfaction for all clients.
Fast and Accurate Detection in Chase, AL - The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests offer high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing reliable insights into usage patterns. When time and precision matter, hair testing delivers prompt and conclusive results, supporting quick decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind in Chase, AL - Hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By integrating this testing method, organizations can reduce legal risks, promote a safe working environment, and ensure peace of mind across all levels of the workplace hierarchy.
