Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s platform. This process confirms that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in numerous samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that test positively during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests positively during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS platforms. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gadsden, AL revolves around several key benefits. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, primarily due to its longer detection period which can span up to 90 days. Hair tests are also more reliable due to the observed collection process and resistance to tampering, offering a trustworthy alternative to urine testing.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Gadsden, AL is a major advantage. Hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of substance history, detecting drug use over a broad timeline, often up to 90 days. Employers gain valuable insights into an employee's or applicant's past substance habits, offering a more complete picture than other testing methods.
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method in Gadsden, AL, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The integrity of the sample collected in the observed process ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, which is a crucial factor for courts, employers, and individuals on probation who rely on trustworthy results.
Convenience of nationwide and local locations in Gadsden, AL optimizes hair testing availability. Our comprehensive network ensures rapid, hassle-free access to testing centers, making quick service a reality for those requiring drug testing. The ease of access to multiple locations removes many barriers associated with drug testing procedures.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Gadsden, AL addresses privacy concerns. The straightforward procedure for ordering, testing, and receiving results ensures a seamless and discreet experience, delivering the necessary assurance to individuals and businesses alike.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Gadsden, AL, hair follicle testing offers excellent value for businesses of any size. Competitive pricing structures combined with quick result delivery make it a preferred choice, providing peace of mind without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate & Reliable Results in Gadsden, AL are essential when it comes to hair follicle drug testing. This method offers rapid processing with high precision, ensuring substance use is detected accurately. Employers and others who require detailed results benefit from the speed and reliability of hair testing, making it an invaluable tool for verifying substance use.
Hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind for employers in Gadsden, AL, helping maintain drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing hair testing reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, ensuring employers comply with regulations and providing a safer environment for all employees.
