Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screenings have increasingly become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair locks in biomarkers within its growing fibers, providing a comprehensive history of substance use. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal evidence of drugs and alcohol use for a period of up to three months. Hair samples are easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing around 200 strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, deemed ideal for analysis and verification. For EtG assessments, additional markers, or panels exceeding 10, a sample weighing 150mg is suggested. We propose using a jeweler's scale for precision. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a proportional quantity of body hair can be selected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where the sample is integrated into the laboratory's system. This phase ensures the sample is well-sealed and correctly transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing information absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of interest. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use suspicions in most cases, any positive screening result must be validated for legal relevance. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening will necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If during Screening a sample shows presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted from the original batch and made ready for Extraction. Here, substances are drawn from hair in much lesser concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the challenging nature of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Any samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification, along with the accreditation pursuant to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these evaluations actually analyze the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Demopolis, AL. Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability when compared with traditional urine tests. With its extensive detection period, it provides a more comprehensive substance history.
Employers in Demopolis find hair testing advantageous due to its ability to trace drug use over longer periods, offering a clearer picture of an individual's habits and assisting in better decision-making.
Extended Detection Window in Demopolis, AL. One of the remarkable benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed substance use history of applicants or employees.
This longer detection period is invaluable for employers who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use, supporting informed choices in hiring or continued employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Demopolis, AL. Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample adulteration, thereby delivering reliable and unquestionable results. This ensures that the testing process maintains integrity and authenticity.
For employers and legal professionals, the resilience of hair testing against tampering provides peace of mind, ensuring that the results reflect true substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Demopolis, AL. Our extensive network of testing centers across the country guarantees quick and easy access to testing services, irrespective of your location.
Local residents of Demopolis benefit from the convenience of nearby testing locations, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Demopolis, AL. Enjoy a straightforward and confidential process when ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results. This approach addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use.
The confidentiality of the process in Demopolis ensures that individuals can trust that their results and personal information remain secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Demopolis, AL. Our competitive pricing structures coupled with fast turnaround times offer exceptional value, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
By offering affordable options and promptly delivering results, companies in Demopolis can enjoy both financial savings and the reassurance of timely and accurate testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Demopolis, AL. Experience unparalleled precision and swiftness with hair follicle testing. Renowned for its accuracy, this method provides a reliable detection of substance use, making it a preferred choice for many in Demopolis.
Being able to promptly detect substance use with high accuracy gives employers confidence in maintaining a drug-free environment. This method ensures timely and dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Demopolis, AL. Utilizing hair follicle testing helps businesses adhere to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety by preventing substance misuse at work.
By ensuring compliance with regulations and reducing risks, employers enjoy peace of mind and create a safer, more productive workplace environment in Demopolis.
