Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Millbrook, AL

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by securing markers within the strands of the growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within an approximate three-month timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, sophisticated tampering is rare, and transporting the samples is uncomplicated.

A hair section measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for both screening and further confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to assess the sample's weight is suggested. In instances where scalp hair is unavailable, the equivalent weight in body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair encompasses hair from facial, underarm, and other areas.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result generally consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the introductory processing of a specimen into the lab's system. This step includes checking for intact seals and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary test for identifying substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly way to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Any sample testing positive in Screening must undergo subsequent confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are then isolated from the hair at lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid testing, contributing to the complex nature of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are pre-cleaned before confirmation, if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug testing can uncover substance use over a span up to 90 days, contrasted with shorter timelines from urine testing.
• Difficulty to cheat: Given the challenge of falsifying a hair drug test, the results are notably reliable.
• Provides historical data: It reveals a substance use pattern over a duration, beyond mere recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: The detection of drugs in hair requires approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Cost: Hair drug testing typically involves a higher expense compared to other testing techniques.
• Variations in results: Differences in hair pigment and personal hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations within hair.

Note: Despite common reference to "hair follicle tests", the actual process evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The choice of hair follicle testing over more traditional urine tests in Millbrook, AL has proven to be superior in multiple respects. Hair testing provides a notable edge with its outstanding detection accuracy and unwavering reliability. Employers and institutions appreciating stringent policies often transition to hair-based tests, realizing the extended advantage over conventional urine testing methods.

Extended Detection Window

In Millbrook, AL, hair follicle testing is unparalleled due to its extended detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. Employers gain a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, making informed decisions easier. This extensive timeframe helps in analyzing consistent patterns of use, something limited tests like urine cannot achieve.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Millbrook, AL significantly lessen any attempt at tampering. By reducing the risks of sample adulteration, such tests yield results that are reliable and unquestionable. This method reassures both testers and testees, ensuring an accurate representation of substance use, thereby maintaining integrity in testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

For those seeking convenient testing, our nationwide locations in Millbrook, AL cater to any testing need. Offering quick and easy service, these centers are strategically positioned for hassle-free access, ensuring that drug testing requirements are efficiently met, irrespective of location, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Millbrook, AL, the hair follicle test process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. Users can trust in a secure method that respects personal concerns while ensuring thorough analysis, tailoring each experience to suit individual needs without complications.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Providing competitive pricing and fast turnaround services, the hair follicle testing in Millbrook, AL endorses great value for businesses of varying sizes. With affordable pricing structures, companies receive peace of mind knowing the process won't compromise their budget while ensuring swift, dependable results that support operational objectives.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Millbrook, AL, offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. The method excels in precision, identifying a wide range of substances effectively. Compared to other options, hair testing stands out for its high accuracy, minimizing errors and maximizing detection standards. This ensures that any signs of substance use are quickly and reliably identified.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Millbrook, AL provides compliance with workplace drug-free policies and enhances peace of mind for employers. By using this method, businesses reduce legal risks and promote a safer workplace environment. The benefits extend beyond policy adherence, fostering a culture of awareness and prevention.

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