Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jacksons' Gap, AL

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Hair collected near the scalp can offer a detection period of around three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, it's relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests involving more than 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' pertains to everything else (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The procedure for processing drug test outcomes in a lab includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system is undertaken. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a basic check for drug abuse. While this step is a cost-effective way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be legally acceptable. Those samples provisionally positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

When a sample shows a preliminary positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is a challenging approach.

Confirmation for any positive Screening outcomes is conducted with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review conforming to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug screening can identify drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which have a more limited detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides historical data: Offers a pattern of drug usage over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs need about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Differences in hair color and personal hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jacksons' Gap, AL

• Hair testing offers improved detection precision against traditional urine tests.
• The extended detection period of hair tests outdoes the usually brief windows of urine assays.
• Employers appreciate hair testing for its thoroughness and reliability compared to urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Jacksons' Gap, AL

• Hair follicle examinations capture drug use up to 90 days prior.
• This extended timeframe gives a detailed view of one's drug history.
• Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance past.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jacksons' Gap, AL

• Hair follicle tests significantly curb the potential for sample tampering.
• Such secure testing methods ensure the provision of indisputable results.
• The tamper-resistant nature makes them dependable and trustworthy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jacksons' Gap, AL

• Nationwide centers offer quick and simple access to testing services.
• Local locations ensure hassle-free solutions for drug testing needs.
• Accessible testing options eliminate the need for lengthy travel or wait times.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Jacksons' Gap, AL

• The testing procedure is easy and maintains strict confidentiality.
• Privacy in ordering, administering, and receiving results is a priority.
• Users can trust in the seamless experience offered by hair follicle testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jacksons' Gap, AL

• Competitive pricing structures provide added value.
• Fast turnaround times ensure rapid availability of results.
• Cost-effective solutions are available for companies of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jacksons' Gap, AL

• Hair follicle drug tests offer excellent speeds and accuracy in identifying substance use.
• Their detection precision ensures that any traces of drugs are efficiently found.
• These tests provide rapid and trustworthy results, reinforcing their reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jacksons' Gap, AL

• Hair follicle testing secures adherence to workplace drug-free programs.
• This compliance reduces potential legal complications.

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