Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairfield, AL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a protracted timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection duration of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable volume of body hair may be obtained. In discussions regarding head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves registering a sample into a lab’s system. This action includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening encompasses a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening serves as an economical method to exclude drug utilization in most samples, though a positive indication requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.

If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the toughest methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can recognize drug use for up to 90 days, compared to urine tests which have a decreased detection timeline.
• Challenging to deceive: It is highly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, yielding more precise results.
• Offers historical insight: It can display a trend of drug use over a time span, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days before drugs become identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations are generally more costly than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Inconsistencies in results: Factors such as hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself inspects the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Fairfield, AL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle tests provide a longer detection window, thus offering a more comprehensive picture of an individual's drug usage history. This feature makes hair testing an invaluable tool for employers enforcing strict policies against drug use.

Unlike traditional urine testing which only captures recent drug use, hair follicle tests measure substance use over a 90-day period, ensuring superior detection accuracy. This extended window of detection provides a robust safeguard against potential drug use, emphasizing the benefits of hair testing over urine testing in crucial scenarios.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Fairfield, AL, provide an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This feature is invaluable for employers looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance use history over a significant period of time. Such insights help in making more informed workplace decisions.

The ability of hair follicle testing to track drug use over several months offers an unparalleled perspective into an individual's behavior. This extended detection capability distinguishes hair testing from other methods, providing an in-depth view crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Fairfield, AL, is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The process ensures that samples remain unaltered, which provides employers and authorities with confidence in the authenticity of results, thus maintaining integrity.

The methodology behind hair follicle tests makes them nearly impossible to cheat, offering unquestionable reliability. This assurance of reliable and tamper-proof results makes hair testing a preferred choice for rigorous and secure drug testing protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering nationwide testing locations, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to quick and easy services everywhere, including Fairfield, AL. With strategically placed facilities, clients can undergo hair follicle testing with minimal hassle and delay, receiving results efficiently.

Local and national accessibility of our testing centers allows for hassle-free, seamless testing experiences. This convenience is paramount for employers and individuals alike, ensuring that drug testing needs are met in a timely and effective manner across all locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Fairfield, AL, embraces a simple and confidential approach, addressing concerns for privacy and ease. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results are designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring users feel secure throughout the process.

From start to finish, our streamlined procedure is tailored to put privacy and simplicity at the forefront. This ease of use encourages more participants to engage in the process comfortably, reassured by the discretion and efficiency offered by our services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Fairfield, AL, clients benefit from our affordable pricing structures, matched with fast turnaround in hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing provides excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes aiming for reliable drug screening solutions without financial strain.

The quick processing time ensures that businesses receive results swiftly, allowing for timely decision-making. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency delivers peace of mind, highlighting our commitment to delivering top-quality testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Fairfield, AL. These tests are characterized by their high precision, ensuring that substance use is detected with great accuracy. The speed at which results are delivered makes them a preferred choice for many employers and testing agencies seeking timely insights.

With hair follicle testing, the reliability of results is paramount. The meticulous processing techniques employed ensure a high degree of accuracy, minimizing false positives and enhancing trust in the testing outcomes. This reliability is a critical aspect for decision-makers relying on accurate data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Fairfield, AL, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing as it guarantees compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Adhering to these guidelines reduces potential legal risks and creates peace for both employers and employees, fostering a safer and more efficient working environment.

Hair follicle tests enhance workplace safety by reliably identifying individuals who may pose a risk due to drug use. This proactive approach is a significant advantage, providing employers a sense of security while upholding robust anti-drug policies.

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