Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by preserving biomarkers in the hair strand's fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests greater than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. Referring to head hair means scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of entering a sample into a laboratory system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drug presence. It is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples; however, positive Screenings must be verified to stand in legal proceedings. All presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample shows presumed positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the starting specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a challenging practice.
Confirmation of a positive screen is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Heron Bay, AL, hair follicle drug tests are proving superior to traditional urine tests. Benefits include a longer detection period, capturing usage up to 90 days versus merely days. This method shields against sample adulteration and ensures an accurate reflection of drug use, offering peace of mind for employers.
In Heron Bay, AL, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This expanded timeframe provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history, presenting a more accurate reflection of long-term habits than urine tests.
Heron Bay, AL ensures secure drug testing through hair follicle analysis, designed to reduce the risk of sample tampering. This method offers reliable and unquestionable results, thanks to its resistance to external adulteration, setting it apart from other types of drug tests.
Heron Bay, AL is well-equipped with accessible drug testing centers. Our nationwide network allows for convenient, quick, and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services, accommodating the needs of employers and individuals seeking reliable drug tests.
In Heron Bay, AL, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and ensures confidentiality. The simple steps consist of ordering, testing, and receiving results, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use for all participants involved.
Offering both affordable pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in Heron Bay, AL provides excellent value for organizations of every size. This competitive pricing structure ensures peace of mind while maintaining budgetary considerations for businesses.
Residents of Heron Bay, AL benefit from the fast, accurate, and reliable results of hair follicle testing. Precision is pivotal, as hair tests effectively detect substance use with a high degree of accuracy. This efficiency ensures individuals and employers receive swift and dependable results.
Employers in Heron Bay, AL find compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle drug testing. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, this method minimizes legal risks, enhances workplace safety, and promotes a secure and productive environment.
