Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the developing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal usage history for up to around 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those extending beyond 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the specimen. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory step of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is conducted for an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate the majority of samples, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Presumptive positives in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
For samples that are presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels than seen with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples marked presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lillian, AL, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the primary benefits is its higher detection accuracy and reliability, as hair tests can show evidence of drug use over a longer period. The comprehensive detection scope this testing method provides ensures more accurate and reliable detection compared to urine tests.
Hair testing offers a longer detection window and a more permanent record of substance use, making it a preferred choice for employers and other organizations that require consistent and accurate results.
Hair follicle testing in Lillian, AL, has an extended detection window, allowing for drug use monitoring for up to 90 days. This duration is far superior to the short timeframe of traditional methods. Employers gain a clearer understanding of an individual’s substance history due to this prolonged detection period.
This extended detection period provides a broader insight into a person’s behavior over time, offering a more comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance usage patterns.
In Lillian, AL, the hair follicle testing method is known for its tamper-resistant properties. This method significantly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, delivering reliable and unambiguous results. The integrity of the testing process ensures that tampering is virtually impossible.
Hair testing's design makes it difficult to manipulate, safeguarding the authenticity of the results. This inherent resistance to tampering provides peace of mind and ensures the validity of the results collected.
For residents and businesses in Lillian, AL, the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing is unparalleled, with numerous nationwide testing centers available. This ensures easy access to drug testing services whenever needed, without hassle. Availability and convenience are guaranteed through local testing centers.
The strategic locations across the country provide quick and stress-free access to testing services, ensuring that clients receive the assistance they need without unnecessary delays.
In Lillian, AL, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is streamlined, ensuring user-friendliness while maintaining privacy. Client concerns over privacy are addressed effectively through a straightforward and private process.
This comprehensive yet simple testing process ensures that all aspects, from initiation to results delivery, are handled with care and discretion, providing ease of use while protecting client confidentiality.
Fast turnaround times paired with affordable pricing make hair follicle testing in Lillian, AL, a valuable investment for businesses. This competitive pricing structure ensures that companies, regardless of size, can benefit from cost-effective and reliable testing.
The combination of affordability and quick results provides exceptional value, allowing businesses to receive accurate testing while staying within budgetary constraints, offering peace of mind and financial viability.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Lillian, AL, are unparalleled. This method provides highly accurate detection of substance use, ensuring reliable results. Hair testing stands out due to its ability to deliver fast results while maintaining high levels of precision.
Timeliness is crucial in drug testing, and hair follicle tests excel in this area, providing swift and reliable results which are essential for making informed decisions quickly and confidently.
Employers in Lillian, AL, can have peace of mind knowing that hair follicle testing assists in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This testing method is a key tool in ensuring compliance with industry regulations and policies, reducing the risk of legal challenges while enhancing overall workplace safety.
By integrating hair follicle testing, employers can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, minimizing their legal risks and strengthening their organizational policies.
