Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When extracted near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A sample comprising 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hairs (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and validation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair might be used. Head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair covers all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and undertaking any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug analysis is among the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and acquires certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The preference for hair follicle testing over urine testing in Fort Rucker, AL, is largely due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive analysis, thanks to their ability to detect drug use over a longer period. In contrast, traditional urine tests are often limited in their detection window.
One of the notable benefits of hair follicle testing in Fort Rucker, AL is its extended detection window. This method can trace drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history. It's an invaluable tool for safeguarding workplace integrity and ensuring informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Fort Rucker, AL are tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This method guarantees reliable results that cannot be easily manipulated, providing assurance to employers seeking to uphold a drug-free environment.
The availability of convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Fort Rucker, AL, ensures accessibility for all individuals seeking drug testing services. Accredited Drug Testing provides easy, hassle-free access, making the process simple and convenient for everyone.
The simple and confidential process of ordering hair follicle tests in Fort Rucker, AL guarantees privacy at every step. From scheduling tests to receiving results, every aspect is designed for ease and confidentiality, reassuring individuals of their privacy concerns.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Fort Rucker, AL. With competitive pricing structures, businesses of all sizes benefit from exceptional value, quick results, and peace of mind, ensuring they meet their testing needs efficiently.
In Fort Rucker, AL, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests is significant, as they can effectively detect substance use with remarkable accuracy. The process is efficient and provides quick turnaround times, ensuring that users receive results promptly.
Using hair follicle testing in Fort Rucker, AL, ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, mitigates legal risks, and enhances safety, providing a secure and dependable testing solution.
Employers are assured of reducing potential liabilities.