Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture biomarkers in their fibers as they grow, thus offering a historical record of substance use. When cut near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol intake over the past three months. Additionally, hair collection is uncomplicated, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp is optimal, yielding 100mg of hair for preliminary and confirmatory tests. For tests like EtG, additional analyses, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of sample is advised. Measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifies scalp hair, whereas "body hair" denotes all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug-testing workflow includes these four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system, confirming its proper sealing and delivery, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positives during Screening must undergo subsequent confirmation.
Should Screening suggest a positive result, additional sample hair undergoes Extraction. In this stage, hair facilitates drug extraction at substantially reduced concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug assessment particularly complex.
Positive Screening outcomes necessitate validation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are washed before Confirmation, as needed. The laboratory procedures from Accessioning through to Confirmation are scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Fulton, AL, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests. Accuracy and reliability are significantly enhanced with hair analysis due to its broad detection window. Unlike traditional urine tests, which may fail to catch habitual drug use, hair testing provides clarity and certainty, making it the preferred choice for employers seeking thorough insight into an individual's substance usage.
Employers in Fulton, AL find immense value in the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing, which can identify drug usage up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive monitoring period gives employers a clearer picture of an applicant or employee's substance use history, assisting in making informed decisions based on detailed drug-free data.
A notable advantage of hair follicle tests in Fulton, AL is their tamper-resistant nature. By significantly minimizing the chances of sample adulteration or switching, this testing method ensures that the results remain trustworthy and indisputable, providing companies with reliable data to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing centers, including locations in Fulton, AL, to ensure accessible and hassle-free drug testing services. With committed centers on hand nationwide, individuals and businesses can easily access reliable and efficient testing facilities at their convenience.
Our hair follicle testing procedure in Fulton, AL is simple and assures confidentiality, addressing potential privacy concerns efficiently. Clients can expect a straightforward process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving test results, thereby easing any privacy or ease-of-use issues related to the testing process.
Residents of Fulton, AL benefit from our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. By offering competitive rates and quick result processing, we deliver excellent value, ensuring both large and small companies enjoy peace of mind and cost-effective safety solutions.
The hair follicle drug test stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results in Fulton, AL. This method ensures that any substance use is identified with high precision. By employing advanced analytical techniques, hair testing delivers quick results, making it an efficient solution for those requiring timely confirmations amid stringent safety regulations.
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace policies in Fulton, AL ensures compliance with drug-free regulations, offering peace of mind for employers. This method enhances safety and reduces legal risks by aligning with industry standards, helping organizations maintain a secure and healthy work environment.