Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust methodology for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-range record of alcohol and other substances by securing biomarkers within the fiber of the developing hair. When obtained near the scalp area, hair may offer a detection span of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for tests and verification. For EtG, enhancements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. In discussions of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair references all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure consists of four key stages in processing a drug test at the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was securely sealed and sent, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry not given by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a swift preliminary examination for drug abuse. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for courtroom admissibility. Any samples showing a screened positive must undergo a secondary verification.
In cases where a sample registers positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging practice to implement.
Verification of any positive screened result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation, as necessary. The collective lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Mignon, AL Hair tests provide enhanced detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Mignon, AL Hair follicle testing can trace drug use up to 90 days back, offering a full picture of a person's substance usage history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Mignon, AL The hair follicle test significantly minimizes the chance of sample adulteration, delivering indisputable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Mignon, AL Our broad network of testing centers across the nation guarantees quick and easy access to testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mignon, AL We offer a straightforward and private method for ordering, administering, and receiving test results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mignon, AL Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Fast and Reliable Results in Mignon, AL Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed in delivering results. This method stands out due to its high accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring swift and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mignon, AL Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety.
