Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant measure for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronological record of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, equivalent body hair may be obtained. Reference to head hair is specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The principal stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any residual data entry that is not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples initially positive in Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at far lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug testing is a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive sample undergoes cleansing before confirmation if required. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair credential and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
In Cooper, AL, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in several key areas. The detection period is notably longer, providing a more thorough overview of substance use history. This extensive timeframe increases the accuracy of the results.
Furthermore, hair tests are nearly impossible to tamper with, unlike urine tests, which are more susceptible to adulteration. This means results from hair testing are generally more reliable.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Cooper, AL, offers a substantial advantage. Able to identify drug use up to 90 days prior, it provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
This advantage is particularly useful for employers looking to maintain a drug-free environment, as it provides them with historical insights on potential hires.
In Cooper, AL, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method. This process significantly decreases the chance of result manipulation, ensuring that the outcomes remain trustworthy.
The test's resistance to adulteration makes it highly dependable, providing employers and organizations with credible insights into substance use.
Accredited Drug Testing in Cooper, AL offers convenient testing locations nationwide. This widespread network allows for easy access to their services, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Clients benefit from the ability to quickly schedule and complete tests locally, making the process as efficient as possible whilst maintaining high standards of service.
The process for hair follicle testing in Cooper, AL is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to administering the test, and finally to receiving results, each step is designed to respect the privacy of the individual.
This simplicity and confidentiality alleviate privacy concerns, making the testing experience both secure and user-friendly for all involved.
Cooper, AL offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, ensuring affordability across various business sizes. Additionally, the fast turnaround time guarantees swift results without compromising on quality.
This ensures that companies receive exceptional value, with reliable data promptly provided to aid in organizational decision-making processes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Cooper, AL stand out in their ability to deliver quick and precise results. These tests are designed to accurately detect substance use, providing reliable data much faster than traditional methods.
Known for their exceptional precision, hair follicle tests identify a wide range of substances. This ensures that employers receive accurate readings, aiding in effective decision-making.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Cooper, AL ensures employers remain compliant with workplace drug policies. This method supports legal adherence and enhances workplace safety through reliable assessments.
By minimizing legal risks and fostering a safer working environment, employers can maintain peace of mind, knowing that their workforce adheres to drug-free regulations.
