Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcoholic substances and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves the four key stages of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial phase of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system. This involves ensuring the sample is sealed and sent correctly, allocating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any supplementary data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be permissible in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a confirmatory second test.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are washed before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on analyzing the hair strand and not the hair follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Colony, AL, individuals and institutions are turning to hair testing for superior drug detection. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer enhanced accuracy and reliability, making them the preferred choice.
Urine tests often have limitations in detection timeframes. Hair testing provides a more comprehensive analysis, effortlessly highlighting past substance use.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle tests in Colony, AL, offer a robust analysis period, tracking substance use for up to 90 days. Such extensive coverage gives employers insight into longer-term habits of candidates or employees.
A lengthy detection span provides companies with valuable substance use data, helping maintain safer workplaces.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Colony, AL, hair follicle drug tests substantially decrease sample tampering risks. The method ensures dependable outcomes by showcasing an individual's substance use history.
Unlike other testing types, these tests resist adulteration, offering unquestionable reliability in assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Accredited Drug Testing in Colony, AL, assures easy access to test centers across the U.S., streamlining the testing process. Our locations provide a hassle-free experience for all clients.
Local and national centers guarantee quick and straightforward drug test services, minimizing inconvenience for users seeking readiness.
Simple, Confidential Process: In Colony, AL, the straightforward and private nature of hair testing addresses privacy concerns. Ordering and receiving results occur securely, ensuring user comfort.
The confidentiality of our operations allows individuals peace of mind, making it a user-friendly choice.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: Competitive pricing in Colony, AL, alongside expedited service, marks our testing as a valuable choice. Companies benefit from swift results with no sacrifice in quality.
Affordability paired with swift service renders our testing solutions a cost-effective option for businesses seeking reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Colony, AL, hair follicle testing stands out with its remarkable speed and precision. The process provides high accuracy levels, ensuring dependable detection of substance use, crucial for workplace and legal settings.
These tests quickly deliver results, outperforming traditional methods in accuracy and timeliness. Speed and precision are primary attributes, offering crucial insights for decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Adopting hair follicle testing in Colony, AL, supports drug-free workplace initiatives. Employers gain security from reduced legal risks and improved safety standards.
By using this testing method, paperwork compliance is straightforward, fostering peace of mind in adhering to company policies.
