Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers a comprehensive historical view of substance intake by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When extracted close to the scalp, hair provides an approximate 3-month detection period for substances. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample including roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's size) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is ideal. It’s advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The main steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the lab's system. This step checks that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a quick preliminary test for substance abuse. Although it efficiently rules out drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in court. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If Screening results hint at positivity, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are removed at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirming any positive screening result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All suspected positive samples are cleansed as necessary before the confirmation process. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fairford, AL
While traditional urine tests have been the norm, hair testing in Fairford stands out for its superior detection accuracy and reliability. The ability to identify a broader range of substances over a longer duration gives hair analysis a clear advantage. Despite urine tests’ quick results for recent use, hair testing provides a more comprehensive analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Fairford, AL
Employers in Fairford benefit from hair follicle testing due to its capability to detect drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This allows for a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history, offering insights into their long-term habits, which is crucial for making informed hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fairford, AL
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the potential for sample tampering, providing trustworthy and clear-cut results. This method ensures that the samples collected are authentic and reflect the true substance use history, which is invaluable for maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fairford, AL
Accredited Drug Testing offers conveniently located centers both nationwide and in Fairford, ensuring easy access to testing services. This widespread availability facilitates a seamless testing experience, making it easier for businesses to maintain compliance and for individuals to manage their testing needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fairford, AL
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and discreet. This simplicity, combined with a commitment to confidentiality, addresses privacy concerns and ensures a stress-free experience for all individuals involved, from test initiation to completion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fairford, AL
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift result delivery, providing excellent value to companies of every size. Quick turnaround times ensure timely decisions can be made, enhancing the overall efficacy of workplace drug testing programs and delivering peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fairford, AL
Hair follicle testing in Fairford delivers quick and precise results, offering an unmatched level of accuracy in detecting substance use. The process ensures reliability, capturing a wide range of substances that might otherwise go unnoticed in traditional tests. Such precision instills confidence in the results obtained, making it the preferred choice for many institutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fairford, AL
Employers using hair follicle testing can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces legal liabilities and promotes a safer work environment, contributing to peace of mind for employers who need to comply with industry regulations and standards.
