Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a timeline of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. By taking hair samples near the scalp, it is possible to achieve a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory is segmented into four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory system. The process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient manner to eliminate drug use concerns for most samples, any positive outcome in Screening necessitates a secondary confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If Screening indicates presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other systems (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a pre-confirmation wash as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Gurley, AL, outshines traditional urine tests with its superior detection accuracy. The hair follicle method comprehensively identifies substance use over a longer duration, offering robust and reliable results. Compared to urine tests, which are limited to recent drug use, hair tests provide a broader spectrum of detection, enhancing the reliability of evaluations for employers and legal bodies.
Gurley, AL employers benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method captures a long-term history of drug use, offering a thorough assessment of an individual's substance habits. Such extensive detection ability is invaluable for employers aiming to ensure a safe and drug-free workplace, reducing the risk of recent substance use remaining undetected.
Hair follicle testing in Gurley, AL, offers a robust, tamper-resistant drug-testing option. Unlike other methods, the likelihood of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, providing clean, unquestionable results. This reliability is crucial in environments where accuracy and integrity are paramount, such as in employment screenings and legal proceedings.
In Gurley, AL, and across the nation, our conveniently located testing centers simplify drug testing processes. Individuals and organizations can easily access our services, avoiding the hassle of extensive travel. This widespread availability ensures that our clients receive prompt and efficient testing solutions whenever and wherever needed.
In Gurley, AL, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and highly confidential. From ordering to testing to results, we emphasize privacy and simplicity. Clients can trust that their information is handled discreetly, and the entire procedure is designed for ease of use, addressing common concerns about privacy and convenience effectively.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Gurley, AL, deliver excellent value. Organizations, regardless of size, benefit from our cost-effective services, ensuring quick results without compromising quality. Our affordable rates and efficiency provide peace of mind and support informed decision-making.
In Gurley, AL, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy and speed, making them a trusted choice. These tests excel in promptly detecting substance use, showcasing their efficiency over other methods. Not only do they provide quick results, but they also uphold high standards of precision, ensuring users receive reliable information swiftly, which is crucial in various settings such as workplaces and legal cases.
Employers in Gurley, AL achieve peace of mind and compliance with drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal risks associated with workplace drug use, supporting a safer and more productive environment. Through accurate substance use detection, companies can confidently align with regulations, assuring stakeholders of their commitment to safety.
