Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair samples has garnered recognition as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of these substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drug presence. It's easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to provide 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When we refer to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing analysis in the lab includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step confirms the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid examination for illicit drug use. Even though Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug involvement in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for court validity. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening must have a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, the drug concentration is isolated from hair at much lower levels than other methods (like urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most intricate approach.
Validation of any positive screen is executed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and given the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the sub-scalp follicle.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Letohatchee, AL
The advantages of hair follicle over urine testing are evident in Letohatchee, AL. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can detect immediate drug use, hair tests capture a broader history, making them invaluable for employers and agencies seeking to enforce zero-tolerance policies with a longer detection window.
Extended Detection Period in Letohatchee, AL
Hair follicle testing in Letohatchee, AL provides a notable advantage with its extensive detection window, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This feature offers employers a more comprehensive understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance use patterns, ensuring a safer and more informed hiring process.
Secure Testing in Letohatchee, AL
In Letohatchee, AL, hair follicle tests offer robust tamper-resistance, drastically lowering the chances of sample adulteration. This ensures reliable and uncontested results. As clients seek confidence in test outcomes, the hair testing method stands as a crucial tool in guaranteeing the integrity and credibility of the results provided.
Convenient Testing Access in Letohatchee, AL
The ease of accessing drug testing services in Letohatchee, AL is unmatched, thanks to many nationwide and local testing centers. This widespread network supports quick and seamless testing for individuals and businesses alike, highlighting the commitment to providing worry-free and efficient services.
Effortless and Confidential Testing Process in Letohatchee, AL
The hair follicle testing process in Letohatchee, AL is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving the results, clients are assured privacy and simplicity. This approach addresses concerns about data security while ensuring the process remains uncomplicated and easy to navigate.
Competitive Pricing with Rapid Results in Letohatchee, AL
Offering a combination of affordable pricing and quick turnaround, hair follicle testing in Letohatchee, AL stands out as a cost-effective solution for businesses. Our services provide excellent value, supported by clear pricing structures and prompt results, catering to companies of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast and Precise Testing in Letohatchee, AL
In Letohatchee, AL, hair follicle testing is renowned for delivering quick and precise results. The process is designed to accurately detect drug or alcohol presence with a higher level of reliability compared to other testing methods. Once a sample is collected, it undergoes stringent analysis to ensure the highest accuracy, offering peace of mind for both individuals and organizations.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Letohatchee, AL
By utilizing hair follicle testing in Letohatchee, AL, employers can align with drug-free workplace mandates, ensuring compliance and minimizing legal risks. This approach not only enhances workplace safety but also brings peace of mind to employers by fostering a secure and drug-free work environment.
