Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent resource in identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair provides an extended history of substance exposure by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, the hair sample can reveal approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A typical sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing at a laboratory unfolds in four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial stage where a sample is introduced into the laboratory system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a rapid preliminary assessment for drugs. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result needs further validation to be considered valid in legal proceedings. Presumptively positive Screening samples necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underlining the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive sample may be cleaned before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Millerville, AL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering enhanced accuracy and reliability in drug detection. Hair tests can track substance use over several months, providing a comprehensive usage history. Employers and legal entities favor this method for its superior detection capabilities, ensuring adherence to drug-use policies.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window in Millerville, AL, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This lengthy tracking period provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's past substance use, aiding well-informed hiring and employment decisions.
In Millerville, AL, tamper-resistant hair follicle tests greatly minimize the chances of sample adulteration. This testing method offers trustworthy and indisputable results, which are crucial for maintaining integrity in drug-use evaluations.
Accessing drug testing services is easy in Millerville, AL, thanks to our convenient nationwide testing locations. These centers offer quick, uncomplicated access, ensuring a hassle-free experience for both individuals and businesses seeking hair follicle testing.
In Millerville, AL, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. This assures users a straightforward experience from ordering to result retrieval, addressing privacy and ease of use. The emphasis is on maintaining confidentiality and simplicity.
Our services in Millerville, AL, provide affordable pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle testing. Cost-effective pricing structures ensure excellent value, and quick results delivery reinforces peace of mind for organizations of all sizes.
Fast and accurate results are a key advantage of hair follicle testing in Millerville, AL. This method swiftly identifies drug usage, boasting high accuracy levels. The precision makes it an invaluable tool for employers and legal bodies seeking credible and reliable substance use assessments.
Hair follicle testing in Millerville, AL, emphasizes compliance and peace of mind for employers. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety at work. It's a key tool for legal compliance and a secure work environment.
