Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the strands as they grow, providing a comprehensive timeline of substance intake. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an approximately three-month window of alcohol and drug usage. It's straightforward to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar amount of body hair might be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes various types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing lab process comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system. This step verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial analysis for abused drugs. Though a cost-effective approach to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples returning a presumptive positive in Screening warrant subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, more hair from the original sample is processed for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the strand of hair rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hurtsboro, AL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a broader detection window, which is crucial for those adhering to zero-tolerance policies. Its reliability makes it a preferred choice by employers, courts, and individuals focused on long-term substance use monitoring.
Hair follicle testing in Hurtsboro, AL is lauded for its extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This offers employers an extensive view of an individual's substance use history. This longer detection period provides a comprehensive understanding, far beyond that of typical urine tests, enabling better-informed decisions regarding employment and policy compliance.
In Hurtsboro, AL, the hair follicle test is a tamper-resistant drug testing method. It significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and unquestionable. This robustness against tampering makes it an attractive choice for employers who need a credible and dependable testing process that maintains the integrity of the results.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations nationwide, including Hurtsboro, AL, ensuring quick, easy access to drug testing services. By having a vast network of centers, we facilitate seamless and hassle-free testing experiences. Our comprehensive reach guarantees that no matter where you are, reliable testing is never far away, simplifying the process for employers and individuals alike.
Testing with us in Hurtsboro, AL involves a simple, confidential process. Our streamlined procedure for ordering, collecting, and receiving test results respects privacy and is user-friendly, addressing any privacy concerns. This ease of use ensures that your testing journey is both straightforward and secure, making the process less daunting for all involved parties.
In Hurtsboro, AL, our hair follicle testing is known for its affordable pricing and fast turnaround. We offer competitive pricing structures and rapid results, providing exceptional value to companies of any size. Our efficient system not only keeps costs down but also accelerates result delivery, providing businesses with timely and cost-effective solutions.
Hair follicle testing in Hurtsboro, AL offers fast, precise results that are trusted by various organizations. This testing method excels in detecting substance use with high precision. It's a reliable choice for those seeking accuracy and the quick delivery of results. The efficiency of this method provides ready solutions for employers and others needing expeditious and accurate testing outcomes.
Employers in Hurtsboro, AL benefit from hair follicle testing through compliance and peace of mind. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting a safe work environment. Utilizing this reliable testing method enhances compliance, simultaneously offering peace of mind through its proven accuracy and extended detection capabilities.
