Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the samples are challenging to adulterate, and they are easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, extended panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. When referencing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplements any missing information that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective method for excluding drug usage in most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in a legal context. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why conducting hair drug screening is more complex.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test itself focuses on the hair strand and not the underlying follicle.
In Hamilton, AL, the advantages of hair follicle over traditional urine testing become evident. Hair tests surpass in accuracy and reliability, offering a comprehensive picture of drug use.
With a longer detection period and a tamper-resistant nature, hair follicle testing mitigates risks, making it the superior choice over urine assays.
When discussing the extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Hamilton, AL, it's noteworthy that they cover up to 90 days of drug use. This long duration offers employers a thorough understanding of a subject's substance patterns.
Such extensive analysis aids employers in making informed decisions, ensuring they have a complete history to rely upon.
Hamilton, AL's hair follicle testing method drastically reduces the risk of tampering. The nature of these tests makes it almost impossible to adulterate samples, thereby offering unquestionable results.
For those seeking certainty and reliability, hair follicle testing remains the gold standard against sample manipulation.
Catering to convenience, our nationwide testing sites, including local centers in Hamilton, AL, provide seamless access to our services. Accredited Drug Testing ensures the process is straightforward and accessible, catering to both urgent and routine testing needs efficiently.
In Hamilton, AL, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. This ensures that individuals feel secure about privacy and straightforward access.
From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed with ease of use and confidentiality in mind, providing peace of mind to all participants.
Competitive pricing paired with fast turnaround times makes our hair follicle testing service in Hamilton, AL, a valuable choice for businesses of all sizes. The affordable cost structure ensures that quality testing is accessible and provides swift results, enabling timely decision-making.
Offering fast, precise, and reliable outcomes in Hamilton, AL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their accuracy. These assessments deliver high-fidelity results, ensuring even the slightest traces of substance use are detected.
The speed at which hair follicle tests return results is impressive, catering to urgent needs. This provides confidence and reassurance in making informed decisions about substance use history.
In Hamilton, AL, adopting hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal liabilities but also contributes to a safer work environment.
Employers can rest easy knowing they are compliant and that their workforce is tested through a stringent and reliable method.
