Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within its growing fibers. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to approximately 3 months. Collection is straightforward, adulteration is somewhat challenging, and shipping is convenient.
To obtain around 100mg of hair, an ideal sample for screening and confirmation consists of a 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp. For tests involving EtG, additional elements, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler's scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair, while body hair includes any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample in a lab’s system, involving validation that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be legally valid. Any samples that show preliminary positive results in Screening require subsequent verification.
If a sample is identified as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Moores Mill, AL, the hair follicle test has proven why it's superior to traditional urine tests. This method excels, delivering unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter timeframe, hair tests offer an extended window, capturing a comprehensive drug use history.
Employers benefit from the significant detection period that hair testing provides when compared to typical urine assessments. Whereas urine testing might miss longer-term substance use, hair analysis unveils a broader picture of usage. This comprehensive view is invaluable, leading to more informed hiring and employment decisions.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Moores Mill, AL, is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, reaching up to 90 days. This method provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's past drug use, far exceeding the capacity of standard urine tests.
For businesses seeking a complete profile of a candidate's substance history, hair analysis offers an invaluable tool. It ensures that employers are informed of any past drug-related behavior, enabling them to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive view of the applicant's history.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, offering a highly tamper-resistant method in Moores Mill, AL. This reliability stems from the nature of the test itself, where samples can be taken under direct supervision, minimizing the chance of interference.
Unlike other testing methods that might be susceptible to tampering, the security of hair tests ensures that results remain trustworthy and unquestionable. This integrity is crucial, providing peace of mind that the outcomes accurately reflect the individual's substance use history.
With convenient testing centers across the nation, including Moores Mill, AL, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been easier. Our widespread locations mean that you can obtain necessary testing quickly and without hassle, no matter where you are in the country.
This network of testing facilities ensures minimal disruption to your schedule, allowing for efficient and straightforward access to critical services. Whether local or nationwide, the ease of getting tested is significantly enhanced, making the process seamless.
Ordering and performing a hair follicle drug test in Moores Mill, AL, is a simple and confidential process. Our streamlined approach ensures ease of use while prioritizing your privacy, from arranging your test to receiving the results.
Concerns about confidentiality are addressed with our secure procedures, providing peace of mind that your information is protected throughout the testing experience. By emphasizing a straightforward process, we make it easy to track and receive your results effortlessly and discreetly.
Our competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times position us as a leader in Moores Mill, AL, for hair follicle testing. We deliver significant value to companies of all sizes, ensuring an excellent balance of affordability and dependability.
Employers benefit from our cost-effective solutions and efficient processes that guarantee timely results without breaking the bank. The alignment of quality services with reasonable pricing highlights our commitment to providing exceptional value to our clients across diverse industries.
The efficacy of hair follicle drug tests lies in their ability to deliver fast and accurate results, a crucial factor in Moores Mill, AL. The precision of this method sets it apart, offering highly reliable detection of substance use. This reliability ensures that the results you receive are both timely and dependable, aiding in swift decision-making.
Employers and agencies in Moores Mill, AL, rely on hair tests for their speedy turnaround in obtaining results. This rapidity, combined with their accuracy, underscores their value as a preferred testing method. With the capacity to quickly verify the presence of drugs, stakeholders experience enhanced confidence in the findings.
Employers in Moores Mill, AL, can achieve compliance and peace of mind by implementing hair follicle drug testing. This method supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, crucially reducing legal risks and enhancing safety standards across the board.
Adopting hair testing not only aligns with industry best practices but also fortifies the employer's commitment to a secure and healthy workplace. By doing so, businesses can safeguard their operations against the ramifications of drug use, fostering a culture of responsibility and safety.