Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has been recognized as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it offers up to a 3-month detection period for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hairs, roughly the size of a #2 pencil, nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for both screening and confirming results. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, underarm hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps to process a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial sample processing into the lab’s system, confirming the sample’s sealing and proper shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing necessary data entry not supported by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening involves a preliminary drug abuse test. Though Screening is efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in judicial settings. Samples that are positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample and is readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted at a lower density from hair than in other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result in Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed as necessary prior to confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grimes, AL
In Grimes, hair follicle testing sets a higher standard in drug detection compared to urine testing. The extended detection timeframe offers a comprehensive look at an individual's substance use history, while its reliability and accuracy outshine the traditional urine tests. Hair testing is less likely to be manipulated, providing superior outcomes for discerning employers.
Employers benefit greatly from hair analysis due to its reliability in identifying long-term substance use. Compared to urine tests, which offer a limited detection window, hair analysis provides a retrospective view into an individual’s habits, ensuring informed decision-making in the workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Grimes, AL
Hair follicle testing in Grimes delivers an exceptional detection window, capable of identifying drug usage over a span of up to 90 days. This extensive period allows employers to assess a wider timeframe of an individual’s substance use, offering a thorough outlook on their drug consumption patterns. Such testing provides far-reaching insights into past behaviors.
With its lengthy detection window, hair testing offers a detailed account of an individual's engagement with substances. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers seeking a comprehensive view of their applicants’ or employees' drug history. It's a reliable method for tracking sustained use over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grimes, AL
Hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method, significantly lowering the chances of sample adulteration. Due to the nature of hair samples, the possibility for manipulation or cheating is greatly reduced. This makes hair testing an ideal choice for organizations seeking unwavering accuracy in their substance testing programs.
The robustness of hair tests lies in their resistance to deceitful practices often associated with other testing methods. The collection process involves secure and observed procedures, ensuring that results are both credible and dependable, minimizing any potential for doubt or tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grimes, AL
Our testing centers extend across the nation, providing accessible, hassle-free access to testing services. In Grimes, residents benefit from the convenience of local facilities alongside our nationwide coverage, ensuring that drug testing is quick and easy. Testing centers are strategically located to minimize travel time, offering optimal service delivery.
With the presence of local and nationwide testing facilities, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that access to essential services is efficient and customer-centric. This commitment to accessibility allows individuals and organizations to satisfy their testing needs with minimal disruption or inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grimes, AL
Our testing process is simple and confidential, designed to safeguard individual privacy while delivering accurate results. From ordering to receiving outcomes, each step is confidential and user-friendly. In Grimes, clients can rest assured that their privacy is respected, and results are delivered without unnecessary complexity.
The ease of operation in ordering and conducting tests promotes a user-friendly experience. Enhanced with confidentiality protocols, clients receive dependable results without compromising privacy, ensuring peace of mind throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grimes, AL
In Grimes, our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times provide excellent value for businesses of all scales. By choosing our services, companies enjoy cost-effective solutions with the assurance of rapid processing, allowing expedient decision-making in HR and safety policies. This affordability ensures high-quality testing without burdening budgets.
Fast turnarounds combined with competitive pricing make our testing services both practical and accessible. With our commitment to efficiency and affordability, clients can expect timely results that adhere to budgetary considerations, enhancing satisfaction across the board.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grimes, AL
Hair follicle testing offers a swift, accurate, and credible means to detect substance use. With cutting-edge technology, these tests achieve high precision in identifying drug residues, providing valuable insights for individuals and organizations alike. Discover the assurance of hair testing in your quest for trustworthy outcomes.
The accuracy of hair analysis stems from its thorough detection capabilities, making it a preferred option over traditional methods. Testing is carried out using stringent protocols, ensuring that every sample is thoroughly evaluated for contaminants with remarkable efficiency and speed.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grimes, AL
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers in Grimes maintain compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies. By opting for this reliable method, businesses can reduce legal risks and ensure a safer working environment. Hair testing offers peace of mind, safeguarding both the company's and employees' best interests.
Hair analysis reinforces compliance with workforce safety standards, supporting a culture of responsibility and well-being. Employers can trust in this rigorous testing to prioritize employee safety and remain aligned with industry regulations, fostering a positive workplace atmosphere.