Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair preserves a long-term record of substances by capturing biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken close to the skin's surface, hair reveals a history of alcohol and drug use spanning up to around three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the prime specimen for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and tests that exceed 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is insufficient, a similar quantity of body hair may be substituted. Head hair specifically refers to hair from the scalp, while body hair includes other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test in a lab setting include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into the laboratory system. This step entails ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any data entry tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as the first rapid assessment for drug presence. Though cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive results from this stage require confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that show presumptive positives in Screening undergo further confirmation.
For those samples deemed presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This phase recovers drugs from hair at concentrations notably less than those found in urine or oral fluid, thereby making hair drug analysis highly challenging.
Positive screening results undergo GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS Confirmation. All samples over threshold are cleansed before the final confirmation, as per necessity. The lab procedures from Accessioning through Confirmation meet both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the surface.
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine tests in Lexington, AL? Hair testing ensures better accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. This method not only identifies longer-term substance usage but also provides a more dependable detection process, acknowledging employers' adherence to zero-tolerance policies.
In Lexington, AL, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days. This far-reaching capability gives employers insights into an individual’s drug history, ensuring a thorough assessment of their commitment to drug-free standards over time—an essential element in hiring decisions and maintaining workplace integrity.
Advantages of hair follicle testing in Lexington, AL, include a reduced risk of sample tampering. The method's inherent tamper-resistance ensures the collection of authentic samples, making it a trusted choice for employers who demand reliability and unquestionable accuracy in their drug assessment programs.
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of locations nationwide, including Lexington, AL, ensuring convenience in accessing testing services. Easy access and hassle-free processes are a hallmark, allowing individuals to quickly and easily engage in necessary testing protocols, no matter the location.
In Lexington, AL, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, sampling, and receiving results are hassle-free, while privacy is a top priority. This ensures individuals feel secure and supported through each step, reinforcing confidence in the discreet handling of sensitive testing information.
Providing competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle tests in Lexington, AL, ensures companies of all sizes receive excellent value. Our affordable rates paired with quick results empower organizations to maintain both fiscal responsibility and diligence in drug policy enforcement.
In Lexington, AL, the hair follicle drug test offers fast and precise results, highlighting its superior accuracy in substance detection. Efficiency defines this method, ensuring reliable outcomes while maintaining promptness in analysis. These tests are indispensable for situations demanding swift yet credible drug use verification.
For Lexington, AL employers, hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind. This method helps uphold workplace policies against drug use, minimizing legal risks while ensuring a safe working environment. Employers can enhance their policy enforcement efficacy by aligning with this comprehensive testing approach.
