Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a recognized method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the structure of the hair as it grows. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can reveal usage patterns for drugs and alcohol over a span of roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A strand sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hairs (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial screening and validation. For testing EtG, additional panels, or when testing exceeds 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. It’s advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair covers all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is enrolled into the laboratory's database. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails a rapid assessment for prohibited substances. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening demands confirmation for court validity. Samples that appear positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations in comparison to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why is hair follicle testing in Geraldine, AL superior to urine tests? Primarily, hair tests surpass traditional methods in detection accuracy and reliability. Their higher sensitivity captures a broader range of substances over time. With hair testing, the promise of an exhaustive view rather than a snapshot of substance use brings assurance to employers maintaining safe work environments.
A remarkable advantage of hair follicle testing in Geraldine, AL is its extended detection window. Capable of unveiling substance use up to 90 days prior, it allows employers to grasp a complete view of an individual's history. This comprehensive insight aids in informed decision-making regarding candidates and employees, reinforcing confidence in the hiring process.
Hair follicle testing in Geraldine, AL delivers a robust defense against tampering, providing results of unquestioned integrity. The test's nature significantly curtails the opportunity for sample adulteration. This tamper-resistant quality ensures genuine results, bringing peace of mind to employers determined to secure a drug-free workplace.
Convenience is maximized with our widespread testing locations, including Geraldine, AL. With centers nationwide, accessing a testing service is straightforward and hassle-free. This accessibility ensures that users find a nearby facility ready to accommodate their needs, streamlining the drug testing process significantly.
The simplicity and confidentiality of our hair follicle testing process in Geraldine, AL cannot be overstated. From ordering to result delivery, user privacy stands at the forefront. This straightforward approach caters to individuals' needs for discretion, ensuring the testing journey remains unintrusive yet effective.
Offering competitive pricing and quick results in Geraldine, AL, our hair follicle testing service provides exceptional value for businesses of varying sizes. The affordability aligns with rapid turnaround times, granting companies both economic and operational peace of mind while maintaining high testing standards.
In Geraldine, AL, hair follicle drug tests are the epitome of precise and quick results. Their efficacy in detecting substance use accurately is unrivaled. This method offers timely and trustworthy results, central to addressing substance concerns efficiently. The streamlined process ensures decisions can be made with confidence and expediency, reinforcing the test's reliability.
For Geraldine, AL employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach minimizes legal liabilities, promoting a safe and productive environment. The certainty derived from this reliable test fortifies employer confidence, reducing risk while maintaining peace of mind.
