Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by holding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. Referring to head hair denotes only scalp hair, whereas body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This process checks that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data entry overlooked by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial fast assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Any samples testing potentially positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows potential positivity in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original specimen and arranged for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Highland Lake, AL
Hair testing offers unmatched detection times and superior accuracy, making it a preferred choice over traditional urine tests. For employers in Highland Lake, AL, the benefits include higher precision and reliability, allowing for clear insight into an individual's substance history, ensuring safer workplace environments.
Hair follicle testing in Highland Lake, AL, stands out with its extended detection window, capturing substance use up to 90 days back. This wide-ranging view provides companies with a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's substance usage, surpassing what's feasible with standard tests.
With the nearly tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Highland Lake, AL, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly diminished. This method ensures that test results are reliable and unquestionable, providing businesses and organizations with the confidence they need in their testing protocol.
Offering convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Highland Lake, AL, ensures a simple, seamless process for individuals needing drug tests. Our extensive network of centers guarantees easy, fast access to the testing services required.
The process for hair follicle testing in Highland Lake, AL, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with privacy and user-friendliness in mind, addressing any concerns about personal information and ease of use.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Highland Lake, AL, a cost-effective choice for companies of all sizes. Our transparent pricing structures and speedy results offer excellent value, ensuring businesses receive the insights they need without excessive costs.
In Highland Lake, AL, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their fast, accurate, and dependable outputs. These tests offer cutting-edge precision in substance detection, outmatching many alternatives. The efficiency of the process, from testing to results, ensures that individuals and organizations receive the most accurate data with efficiency unparalleled by other methods.
Employers in Highland Lake, AL, find comfort in the compliance and peace of mind that hair follicle testing brings. By aligning with drug-free workplace policies, it minimizes legal risks and promotes a safer working environment, contributing to overall organizational well-being.
