Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. Collected from near the scalp, hair can provide up to a three-month detection period for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An ideal sample, weighing 100mg, consists of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result process in laboratories encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's preliminary handling within a laboratory's framework. Tasks include confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any supplementary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective, a positive screen must be confirmed for court eligibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require a confirming step.
In cases where the Screening results indicate a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those found in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why do hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in Evergreen, AL? The superior detection accuracy is compelling. While urine tests may miss drugs used longer ago, hair tests provide a clear history of substance use. This reliability ensures entities like employers and courts have the data needed for stringent drug use policies, ultimately proving more effective than traditional methods.
In Evergreen, AL, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers an advantage. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can reveal drug use over the past 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of a person's substance history. This makes it an ideal option for employers aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace while assessing an individual's long-term behavior.
Hair follicle testing in Evergreen, AL stands as a tamper-resistant method, limiting the risks of sample adulteration encountered with other tests. The process ensures the collected samples provide unquestionable results. As a less susceptible option to manipulation, it bolsters confidence in the accuracy of drug testing outcomes.
Across Evergreen, AL, and Nationwide, the availability of convenient testing centers simplifies access to hair follicle testing. With local and national centers, Accredited Drug Testing makes securing a reliable drug test quick and hassle-free. This ensures efficient service delivery no matter where you are.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Evergreen, AL is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure respects privacy. This user-friendly approach addresses any concerns, ensuring everyone feels secure throughout the testing experience.
With hair follicle testing in Evergreen, AL, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing options provide value to businesses of all sizes, offering the peace of mind that comes with reliable drug testing services without the financial strain.
In Evergreen, AL, hair follicle drug testing ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of the method allows for comprehensive substance detection, making it an essential tool for employers. The testing process is efficient, delivering results that employers can trust, ultimately aiding them in making informed decisions regarding workforce management.
For employers in Evergreen, AL, hair follicle tests provide compliance and peace of mind. By incorporating this testing method into their protocols, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces potential legal risks and reinforces a safe and productive work environment.
