Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a prolonged record of alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected adjacent to the scalp, hair can present a detection span of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to send.
An ideal sample of 1.5 inches, roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, suitable for screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and assessments over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Our reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair classifications (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in processing a drug test at the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with entering the sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any additional data not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid evaluation for potential drugs. While a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive Screen requires confirmation to be valid legally. Presumptive positive samples in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Presumptive positive samples during Screening warrant additional hair extraction from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations lower than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
The Confirmation stage for any positive screening result is implemented via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before Confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand and not the underlying scalp follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Forest Home, AL, offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests. With its unparalleled detection accuracy, hair testing ensures that drug use is identified reliably over an extended period. Its effectiveness is enhanced by minimizing false negatives, providing a clearer picture of substance use history.
In Forest Home, AL, hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window, capable of tracing drug use back up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use history, offering unmatched insights compared to other testing methods.
The integrity of testing results in Forest Home, AL, is fortified by the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. Unlike other methods, hair tests are less susceptible to adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and trustworthy no matter the circumstance.
Convenience is at the forefront with our extensive network of testing locations, including Forest Home, AL. Our nationwide presence ensures that accessing drug testing services is quick, straightforward, and hassle-free, catering to the needs of clients regardless of their location.
In Forest Home, AL, our drug testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, ease of use and privacy are paramount, addressing client concerns at every step of the journey.
Forest Home, AL, benefits from our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. By offering cost-effective solutions without compromising speed or accuracy, we provide outstanding value and peace of mind for businesses of varying sizes.
In Forest Home, AL, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their fast and reliable results. Their precision in identifying substance use is unrivaled, providing high accuracy that ensures confidence in the findings.
With an efficient processing time, these tests offer rapid insights, making them an indispensable tool for timely decision-making.
Employers in Forest Home, AL, gain peace of mind and enforce compliance with workplace policies through hair follicle testing. By reducing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment, hair testing fosters a culture of responsibility and assurance within the workplace.
