Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate a long-term chronicling of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month retrospective detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, contains 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial analysis and validation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, while body hair pertains to all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory drug testing results are processed through four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning stage involves incorporating a sample into the laboratory system, ensuring the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive findings require confirmation for legal acceptance. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate further Confirmation.
When Screening yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex technique to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptively positive undergo necessary washing before Confirmation. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Malvern, AL
Hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. In Malvern, their reliability in spotting substance use is unmatched, offering a broadened detection period that urine tests simply can't match. Employers favor hair tests for their precision, ensuring a drug-free workplace with assured safety.
Extended Detection Window in Malvern, AL
Hair follicle testing excels by identifying drug use over a substantial timeframe—up to 90 days. This extended detection window grants employers a clearer view of an individual’s substance history, providing a thorough behavioral assessment, crucial for making informed hiring or retention decisions in Malvern.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Malvern, AL
One benefit of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and irrefutable. In Malvern, this offers security and assurance that results remain untampered, maintaining test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Malvern, AL
Our numerous testing centers nationwide, including those in Malvern, make accessing drug testing simple and hassle-free. This network ensures quick and effortless access to testing services, facilitating smooth administration for businesses and individuals alike who require drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Malvern, AL
The hair follicle testing process in Malvern is straightforward and emphasizes confidentiality. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, the entire procedure respects privacy and ease of use, ensuring that all clients have a seamless and discreet testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Malvern, AL
Accredited Drug Testing in Malvern offers competitive pricing with swift turnaround times. Our services deliver exceptional value, making hair follicle testing an attractive option for companies of all sizes, combining cost-effectiveness with rapid, accurate results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Malvern, AL
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and precision. They provide highly accurate results when detecting substance use, ensuring reliability in test outcomes. For anyone seeking rapid and dependable results in Malvern, hair follicle tests are the go-to option, delivering peace of mind with their exactness in analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Malvern, AL
Employers in Malvern can trust hair follicle testing to uphold workplace drug-free policies. These tests help prevent legal complications by ensuring compliance, thus enhancing overall workplace safety and providing peace of mind that protects both employees and business reputation.
