Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a historical record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. If gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal sample for screening and confirmation consists of a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equaling 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In situations where scalp hair is unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any additional data entries not inputted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legally acceptable. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Validation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine testing in Coaling, AL? The primary benefit lies in the enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive snapshot of substance use behavior than traditional urine tests, making them a superior choice for employers and authorities seeking credibility.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Coaling, AL, can provide employers with insights into a person's drug use over a much longer span, reaching up to 90 days. This capability allows for a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, essential for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Coaling, AL, significantly reduce the chances of sample tampering. The collection is straightforward, and results are reliable and unquestionable, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Our testing services are conveniently available nationwide, including local centers in Coaling, AL. This ensures quick, hassle-free access to necessary testing, suited for both individuals and employers alike.
Our process in Coaling, AL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering and sample collection to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease, addressing all concerns related to discretion and user-friendliness.
Our services in Coaling, AL, are not only fast but also affordably priced. With competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, we offer exceptional value, catering to companies regardless of size, ensuring budget-friendly solutions.
In Coaling, AL, hair follicle tests are known for their precision and speed, delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests boast high accuracy levels in detecting substance use, providing peace of mind to both employers and individuals.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Coaling, AL, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing employers with peace of mind. This method reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety, allowing companies to uphold strict no-drug-use environments.
