Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as the hair grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp secures 100mg of hair, the suitable sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, extra assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This consists of verifying that the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift inspection for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Samples showing presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is gathered from the original specimen and set for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Grady, AL, it's evident that hair testing offers numerous advantages. Detection accuracy is a hallmark of hair tests, as they can detect drugs over a longer duration. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are difficult to cheat, providing peace of mind for those relying on their results.
Furthermore, the reliability of hair follicle testing surpasses traditional methods. Its capability to exhibit substance presence over a 90-day span provides employers and institutions with a comprehensive view unmatched by urine tests.
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle drug testing in Grady, AL, is the extended detection window. This type of testing can unveil drug usage spanning up to 90 days, offering a thorough insight into a person's history of substance intake.
Employers benefit significantly, as this method allows them to assess an individual's lifestyle choices over a prolonged period rather than a mere snapshot in time. Such extended detection aids in creating a safer and drug-free environment.
The hair follicle tests in Grady, AL, are notably tamper-resistant, mitigating the threat of sample adulteration. This provides dependable and irrefutable results not easily influenced by external tampering attempts.
With observed collection processes, the opportunity for individuals to manipulate outcomes diminishes substantially. This ensures increased trust and confidence among stakeholders relying on the veracity of the test results.
Offering maximum convenience, our testing centers are nationwide and include local options in Grady, AL. This network facilitates swift and straightforward access to drug testing services without any unnecessary delays.
With locations scattered across the country, individuals have seamless access to a testing center near them, ensuring the process remains quick and hassle-free, suited to the needs of both employers and testees alike.
Our hair follicle testing process in Grady, AL, is both simple and confidential. From the initial order through taking the test and receiving results, we maintain the privacy of all individuals involved.
Addressing concerns about ease of use and confidentiality head-on, our streamlined process reassures users that their privacy is respected at every stage, making the testing experience stress-free.
In Grady, AL, we offer affordable pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times, guaranteeing exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive rates ensure access to high-quality testing services without burdening budgets.
With rapid processing, the results are delivered promptly, allowing companies to maintain continuity without unnecessary delays. This approach reinforces the value we provide to our clientele.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Grady, AL, is unparalleled. These tests provide fast and accurate results, offering reliable insights into substance use. The precision of hair tests ensures that positive results genuinely reflect substance intake, making them a preferred choice for timely screenings.
In addition to speed, hair tests capture a wide array of substances, ensuring that the testing process remains comprehensive. With such tests, results are expeditiously obtained, maintaining the integrity and accuracy that users rely upon.
Ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies is simplified with hair follicle testing in Grady, AL. Companies utilizing this method experience reduced legal risks and an enhanced level of workplace safety.
Employers find peace of mind as these tests serve as robust evidence against substance misuse claims, promoting a safer and more productive working environment. Thus, organizations can maintain an atmosphere free from the concerns of illicit drug use.