Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Grant, AL

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal

Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

0 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Grant

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a potent means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of developing hair strands, it offers an extended history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month timeline for alcohol and drug detection. Hair samples are straightforward to acquire, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, suitable for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Breakdown

The four core stages in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the primary intake of a sample into a lab's system. It involves confirming sample sealing and shipping protocols, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic custody chain.

Screening consists of an early, rapid check for illicit substances. Although Screening is economically efficient for dismissing drug use in most samples, court-acceptance requires confirmation of a positive screen. Any samples testing presumptive positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity in Screening, more hair is separated from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly intricate.

Verification of any positive screen results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The full lab progression from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 certification.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

  • Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with briefer detection periods.
  • Challenging to deceive: Hair drug analysis is notably hard to falsify, boosting its accuracy.
  • Offers chronological data: It provides a usage pattern over time instead of merely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

  • Unable to identify recent consumption: Drugs typically become detectable in hair within 5-7 days.
  • Expense: Hair drug analysis tends to cost more than alternative testing methodologies.
  • Result discrepancies: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variabilities can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Clarification: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grant, AL
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage in detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine testing, which only covers recent drug use, hair testing can reveal patterns of substance abuse over a more extended period, offering a clearer picture of an individual's drug history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Grant, AL
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers insights that urine tests cannot match. This extended timeframe gives employers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's past substance use, allowing for informed decisions on employment or rehabilitation processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grant, AL
Hair follicle drug tests present a formidable defense against sample tampering. The collection and analysis processes are designed to be tamper-proof, ensuring that the results remain unaltered and reliable, thus providing trustworthy outcomes for employers and courts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grant, AL
Our extensive network of testing centers across the country, including Grant, AL, makes accessing hair follicle drug testing both quick and straightforward. The widespread availability ensures that individuals and employers don't face delays or complications in acquiring essential testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Grant, AL
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is streamlined and private. This approach not only ensures ease of use but also addresses any privacy concerns, making it an appealing choice for individuals and organizations alike.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grant, AL
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution. We provide rapid results without compromising quality or accuracy, offering excellent value for businesses and individuals in Grant, AL.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grant, AL
Hair follicle drug tests in Grant, AL, are renowned for their high precision and speed in identifying substance use. The method ensures accurate readings, swiftly delivering results that are trusted by employers and legal entities alike, providing peace of mind with their dependability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grant, AL
Utilizing hair follicle testing in workplace policies ensures adherence to drug-free regulations, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safe work environment. Employers can be confident in maintaining compliance while protecting their workforce from potential substance-related issues.

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