Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The method of hair testing is acknowledged as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a comprehensive record of drugs and alcohol by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered in proximity to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of around three months for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional screenings, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of hair. Measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test follows four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory procedure. This encompasses ensuring that the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening denotes a preliminary swift assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach for negating drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Samples that are provisionally positive in Screening require an additional confirmation step.
For samples that are provisionally positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and made ready for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at much lower concentrations than those in other testing methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples tentatively positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kent, AL
When comparing traditional urine tests to hair follicle testing, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability.
In Kent, AL, the robustness of hair testing is evident as it identifies drug use over a broader time frame. It provides trustworthy results—a crucial factor for employers implementing strict drug use policies.
Hair testing's ability to detect long-term substance use far exceeds the capabilities of urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Kent, AL
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection period, tracing substance use up to 90 days. In Kent, AL, this comprehensive scope is instrumental for employers seeking a full understanding of an individual's substance history. Evaluating a longer timeline ensures a thorough assessment of applicants and employees, enabling more informed decisions regarding their suitability and adherence to workplace standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kent, AL
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, producing reliable and unquestionable results.
In Kent, AL, where test integrity is paramount, this method prevents attempts at adulteration, promoting trust in the outcomes. This robust approach offers confidence to employers and legal entities alike, ensuring that results accurately reflect the true substance use status of individuals.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kent, AL
The presence of our testing centers nationwide, along with local sites in Kent, AL, guarantees easy and hassle-free access to testing services. Convenience is assured as individuals can select from a multitude of locations, promoting efficiency and adaptability.
This widespread availability ensures that testing needs are met quickly without the inconvenience of long commutes or delayed services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kent, AL
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results is simple and confidential in Kent, AL. Addressing privacy concerns, our system ensures discretion and ease throughout, from initial contact to the final results.
This approach respects client confidentiality and streamlines the path to obtaining reliable information on substance use, fostering an accessible and private experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kent, AL
Our pricing structures are competitive, coupled with quick turnaround times, providing excellent value and peace of mind to businesses of all sizes. In Kent, AL, organizations benefit from cost-effective testing solutions without sacrificing quality.
This affordability paired with swift results offers companies an economical yet reliable method to monitor and manage workplace substance use efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kent, AL
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. These tests stand out for their high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing reliable results quickly. In Kent, AL, where timely outcomes are crucial, hair follicle testing ensures quick access to accurate data.
This method helps swiftly manage substance use concerns, delivering expedited results without sacrificing accuracy in assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kent, AL
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers in Kent, AL can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposures and promoting workplace safety.
This testing method supports compliance efforts, providing reassurance through its dependable and precise results, ultimately contributing to a safer and more productive work environment by effectively monitoring substance use.
