Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a long-term record of alcohol and drug use through the capture of biomarkers within the hair shaft fibers as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can provide up to a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional evaluations, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is an alternative. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair only. In contrast, "body hair" encompasses all other forms, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into the lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. While Screening is cost-efficient to dismiss drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is essential for court admission. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
For samples that return a presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and then processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging to execute.
Any Screening result indicated as positive requires Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle located under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Crawford, AL
Hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over urine tests. While urine tests capture recent drug usage, hair analysis spans up to 90 days, offering a broader detection window. This method is also less susceptible to falsification, providing credible results for employers enforcing strict drug-free mandates in their workplaces.
Extended Detection Window in Crawford, AL
The capacity of hair follicle testing to reveal drug use for up to 90 days sets it apart. While other methods capture short-term usage, hair testing comprehensively reviews an individual’s substance use history. This extended detection capability provides employers in Crawford, AL, with insights into long-term drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Crawford, AL
Hair follicle testing significantly diminishes the likelihood of sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods susceptible to adulteration, hair sample collection and analysis is secure and offers dependable results. This level of reliability assures employers in Crawford, AL, of the integrity of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Crawford, AL
Our strategically positioned network of testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Crawford, AL, offers unparalleled convenience. With quick and easy access to a diverse range of testing services, individuals and businesses alike can benefit from the hassle-free experience provided by our facilities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Crawford, AL
The process of arranging, performing, and acquiring results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and safeguarded in terms of privacy. We prioritize confidentiality, ensuring individuals in Crawford, AL, have a seamless and private experience from start to finish, answering any privacy or convenience concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Crawford, AL
Our competitive pricing and quick result times ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes, reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliable results without breaking the bank. This efficiency provides assurance and peace of mind, essential for maintaining workplace integrity.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Crawford, AL
Hair follicle testing provides a swift and dependable diagnosis of substance use. Renowned for its precision, hair testing identifies traces of illicit substances with unparalleled accuracy. By analyzing a small sample of hair, this method swiftly delivers results, ensuring individuals and employers in Crawford, AL, receive prompt and trustworthy feedback.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Crawford, AL
Utilizing hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to workplace drug policies. This testing ensures that employers maintain a drug-free environment, reduce legal exposure, and enhance overall workplace safety. Knowing that reliable testing methods are in place provides added peace of mind for employers.
