Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to 3 months for various substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests with EtG, additional components, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term 'head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, while 'body hair' refers to all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system. This step involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped and assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), along with finalizing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for substances of abuse. While this phase is cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples that yield a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the comprehensive laboratory procedure is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair testing outshines urine tests in Lehigh, AL by providing superior detection accuracy. This method captures a broader spectrum of substances, ensuring reliable results over urine tests.
While urine tests are common, hair testing reveals a more comprehensive drug history, giving employers confidence in applicant screening.
The significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Lehigh, AL is its extended detection window. It offers insight into past drug use for up to 90 days, aiding employers to thoroughly evaluate an individual's substance history.
This comprehensive view is crucial for establishing a clear profile of substance consumption patterns and ensuring informed decisions.
In Lehigh, AL, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that effectively minimizes the risk of sample alteration. This ensures results that are trustworthy and accurate.
The robust nature of hair testing leaves little room for manipulation, offering clients reliable evidence of substance use without compromise.
With numerous testing centers across the nation, including Lehigh, AL, clients find hassle-free access to services. This widespread availability underscores convenience and ease of testing procedure.
Local and national testing sites ensure that individuals and employers can swiftly proceed with any required drug testing.
Hair follicle testing in Lehigh, AL is both simple and confidential. The process from ordering to results is streamlined, addressing privacy concerns effectively while maintaining ease of use.
This user-friendly approach ensures client comfort and confidence in conducting necessary drug tests.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Lehigh, AL provides excellent value with quick turnaround times. This cost-effective approach supports businesses of all sizes while maintaining high testing standards.
The affordability paired with speed makes it an attractive option for many companies seeking reliable testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing offers precision and quick results in Lehigh, AL. With advanced techniques, these tests reliably identify substance use, ensuring accuracy that stakeholders can trust.
The efficiency of hair testing provides rapid outcomes, making it a preferred choice for those seeking dependable substance detection.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Lehigh, AL reinforces compliance with drug-free workplace policies, promoting safety and reducing legal liabilities.
This method grants employers peace of mind by ensuring a work environment free from substance abuse risks, in line with organizational standards.
