Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a continuous record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample into a laboratory's system. This involves verifying the sample’s seal and shipment methods, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry tasks not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. While it serves as a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for admissibility in a legal context. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for further Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples that return positive expectations are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in compliance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lookout Mountain, AL
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window and resistance to tampering, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of substance use, making them a preferred choice for employers and legal entities seeking trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in Lookout Mountain, AL
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their extensive 90-day detection period. This advantage provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history. For those aiming for a clear picture of long-term substance habits, hair testing is the undisputed choice.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lookout Mountain, AL
One major benefit of hair follicle testing is its reduced risk of sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be compromised, hair tests offer a reliable and secure method, providing indisputable results that assure confidence and trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lookout Mountain, AL
Our expansive network of testing centers offers unparalleled convenience, making it effortless for individuals and businesses in Lookout Mountain to access hair follicle testing services swiftly and without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lookout Mountain, AL
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is designed to be straightforward and discreet. We address privacy and ease of use, ensuring that clients can experience a seamless testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lookout Mountain, AL
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses of all sizes that require efficient and reliable drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lookout Mountain, AL
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and rapid results delivery. These tests provide extremely high accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring that any concerns regarding drug use are addressed efficiently. Whether for pre-employment screening or compliance checks, hair testing guarantees fast and reliable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lookout Mountain, AL
Employers can ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method not only diminishes legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind regarding the integrity of the workforce.
