Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a history of drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to about 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil diameter) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of hair is given. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes remaining data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial swift check for drug traces. Although it is a cost-savvy method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
A presumptively positive sample in the Screening phase may prompt more hair extraction from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Drugs are separated from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation, as deemed necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lockhart, AL
Opting for hair testing in Lockhart, AL, reveals numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests ensures reliable identification of substances, reducing the risks of false negatives. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle examination offers a longer detection period, crucial for organizations committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Lockhart, AL
Hair follicle testing in Lockhart, AL, boasts an impressive detection window, revealing substance use history up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeframe grants employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use patterns, fostering informed hiring and management decisions. Hair testing proves invaluable for those seeking deep insights into an individual's past drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lockhart, AL
In Lockhart, AL, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-proof solution for detecting substance use. The inherent design minimizes the likelihood of sample tampering, offering unquestionable accuracy. Such resilience in testing ensures trustworthy results, backed by a secure collection process, enhancing the credibility and dependability of findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lockhart, AL
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access to testing facilities in Lockhart, AL, and across the nation. Our widespread network ensures that clients can receive timely and hassle-free testing services. With local and nationwide options, obtaining a drug test becomes an effortless process, meeting diverse client needs with ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lockhart, AL
In Lockhart, AL, our hair follicle testing process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. From ordering to result collection, each step assures privacy and ease of use, addressing users' concerns. Clients can trust in a streamlined process, ensuring secure handling of sensitive information and delivering results discreetly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lockhart, AL
Hair follicle testing in Lockhart, AL, offers competitive pricing without compromising speed. Companies can enjoy the benefits of reasonably priced testing services with quick result turnaround, providing excellent value. This approach ensures businesses of all sizes maintain their budget goals while ensuring optimal testing efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lockhart, AL
In Lockhart, AL, hair follicle drug tests offer exceptionally prompt and precise outcomes. Their heightened sensitivity allows for accurate detection of substances, delivering trustable results that clients can rely on. This speed and precision ensure that substance use is effectively identified, aiding various organizations and individuals in making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lockhart, AL
Using hair follicle testing in Lockhart, AL, supports employers' compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks by maintaining a drug-free environment, reinforcing workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workforce is monitored with an effective drug testing process, fostering a safe and compliant work setting.
