Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When samples are collected proximally to the scalp, hair can offer an extended detection period of up to three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to falsify, and convenient to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp can provide 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair denotes scalp hair alone. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory assessment of drug test samples involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where the sample enters the laboratory's system for processing. This phase ensures the sample was adequately sealed and transported, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes necessary data input not managed by electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to exclude most samples concerning drug use, any positive outcomes must undergo confirmation for legality in judicial settings. Samples that appear positive during Screening demand additional validation.
For samples that appear positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, the process isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in methods like urine or oral fluid testing, which is why hair drug analysis is among the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation of any affirmative results in Screening is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive receive a cleansing prior to verification as required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is superior to urine tests in Huxford, AL due to its enhanced detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which offer a limited detection window, hair tests provide a broader and more reliable analysis of drug use.
The accuracy of hair follicle tests far exceeds that of traditional urine testing, making it an essential method for organizations that prioritize precise drug screening measures.
In Huxford, AL, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing captures drug usage up to 90 days prior. This longer timeframe offers employers a clearer picture of an individual’s substance habits over time.
Employers benefit from the extended detection period as it allows them to understand better the substance history of potential hires and current employees, aiding in making informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Huxford, AL, significantly reduces the chances of tampering, ensuring trustworthy results. Unlike urine samples, which may be altered, hair samples provide a tamper-resistant solution.
By adopting hair follicle tests, organizations minimize the chances of manipulation. The method guarantees a reliable outcome, fostering confidence in the screening process.
Nationwide and local in Huxford, AL, our testing centers provide easy and accessible drug screening services. Accredited Drug Testing eliminates hassle, ensuring seamless access to testing facilities.
With convenient locations nationwide, including Huxford, individuals and businesses benefit from quick and straightforward testing procedures without delay.
Our process in Huxford, AL, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result retrieval, client privacy remains a priority, enhancing the simplicity of the hair drug testing experience.
Ease of use is at the forefront of our services, ensuring everyone receives their results securely and without complication, maintaining a focus on confidentiality and simplicity.
In Huxford, AL, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle drug testing, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. Quick turnaround times make our services cost-effective for all companies.
Our affordable rates and rapid service delivery provide businesses of varying sizes with excellent value and confidence in their drug testing investments.
In Huxford, AL, hair follicle drug tests offer a rapid and dependable way to detect substance use. These tests deliver fast results with high accuracy, ensuring reliable information on any drug intake.
With hair tests, you gain the assurance of speed and precision, critical components for workplace testing. Their ability to provide accurate results quickly makes them an invaluable tool for employers.
For employers in Huxford, AL, choosing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies. This method aligns with a zero-tolerance approach, boosting safety and reducing legal liabilities.
Implementing hair follicle tests grants companies peace of mind, knowing their practices comply with legal standards and contribute to a safer work environment.