Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the structure of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to falsify, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hairs (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The primary steps in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory's database. This step confirms proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening must be verified to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample has a presumptive positive outcome during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Preparation. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair requirements and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Important: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Homewood, AL
The benefits of hair testing vastly outshine traditional urine tests in Homewood. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair follicle tests provide an extensive view of drug use history, detecting substances that other methods might miss, positioning them as the leading choice for comprehensive assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Homewood, AL
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection timeframe, up to 90 days, providing employers in Homewood a thorough overview of an individual’s substance history. This allows for informed decisions based on a substantial period of drug use behavior, unmatched by other testing methodologies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Homewood, AL
The robustness of hair follicle tests lies in their resistance to tampering, offering a credible and indisputable testing method. In Homewood, this ensures trustworthy results by significantly mitigating risks associated with sample adulteration, thus maintaining high integrity standards.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Homewood, AL
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including local options in Homewood, accessing testing services is convenient and hassle-free. This widespread availability guarantees quick and straightforward access, addressing the needs of clients efficiently and effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Homewood, AL
In Homewood, the hair testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, each step is designed with privacy in mind, ensuring users feel secure and at ease while benefiting from a streamlined and user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Homewood, AL
Our competitive pricing models, coupled with swift turnaround times, provide exceptional value for businesses of all scales in Homewood. This ensures companies receive top-notch service that fits within budgetary constraints while achieving prompt and reliable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Homewood, AL
Hair follicle drug tests in Homewood deliver rapid, precise, and dependable results. The accuracy in recognizing substance use is unparalleled, ensuring reliable testing outcomes. Professionals benefit from the quick turnaround, which enhances decision-making processes while maintaining high standards of testing integrity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Homewood, AL
Employers in Homewood can ensure adherence to drug-free policies through hair follicle tests. These tests minimize legal risks, bolster workplace safety, and foster a culture of compliance and assurance, providing peace of mind to businesses dedicated to maintaining a secure working environment.
