Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair allows for observation of alcohol and drug use for up to roughly a three-month period. Hair is easy to gather, less inclined to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, supplements, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's advisable to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair can be obtained, the same amount of body hair is acceptable. When head hair is referenced, it exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test outcome comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample being integrated into the lab's system. This phase includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for substance misuse. Though Screening is an efficient method for excluding drug use across the majority of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for it to be valid in legal contexts. Samples indicating presumed positivity in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample be deemed presumptively positive during the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this process, drug retrieval happens at much lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening presents a greater challenge to execute.
Confirmation for any positively screened sample employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumed positive samples undergo washing as appropriate. From Accessioning to Confirmation, every step in the laboratory process is scrutinized, adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer, as the analysis centers on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Falco, AL
Hair testing offers a superior detection window, lasting up to 90 days, unlike the temporary nature of urine tests. This enables a more comprehensive overview of a person's substance history. Additionally, hair tests provide enhanced accuracy and reliability, largely reducing the risk of tampering, which is often a concern with urine testing methods.
Extended Detection Window in Falco, AL
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, which spans up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers in Falco a detailed insight into an individual's substance usage history, far surpassing the limited scope of traditional urine tests. Employers can thus make more informed decisions with a complete picture of the applicant's or employee's past behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Falco, AL
Hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing the risk of adulterated samples. This robustness ensures that the results are reliable and beyond question. When sample integrity is crucial, hair testing stands out as a method of choice, providing secure and trustworthy outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Falco, AL
With numerous testing centers across the nation and local facilities in Falco, AL, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. This widespread network ensures that testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free, providing convenience for everyone, whether for employment, legal, or personal reasons.
Simple, Confidential Process in Falco, AL
The process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential. This privacy-focused approach ensures ease of use and reassures individuals concerned with the sensitivity of drug testing. From start to finish, the procedure remains straightforward, respecting privacy and providing clarity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Falco, AL
We offer competitive pricing for our hair follicle testing services, along with rapid turnaround times. This affordable choice provides excellent value for companies of all sizes, allowing them to maintain peace of mind while managing costs effectively with swift and reliable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Falco, AL
Hair follicle drug tests provide precision and speed, allowing for high accuracy in the detection of substance use. Unlike traditional testing methods, hair analysis is exceedingly dependable in delivering results quickly, leaving no room for doubt or inaccuracy. This rapid turnaround is crucial for both individuals and organizations needing timely and dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Falco, AL
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free policies and significantly reduces legal risks. This method provides peace of mind by confirming adherence to regulations, which in turn enhances workplace safety. Assurance in testing practices translates to a safer and more compliant work environment.
