Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage, offering long-term insights by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide up to about a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It’s easy to collect, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, the ideal amount for examination and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair exclusively, whereas "body hair" refers to all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system, which includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry required beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug abuse; it's economical for eliminating drug usage in most samples. However, a positive result in Screening must undergo further confirmation for it to be court-viable. Samples indicating a presumptive positive during Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive in Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Preparation for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening considerably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive result from the screening is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing presumptive positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 quality standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Morrison Crossroads, AL
Hair follicle drug tests offer enhanced detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests that detect drugs in the system for only a few days, hair tests can trace substance use over a much longer period, each time providing a more exact history of an individual's drug habits.
The reliability of hair testing is beneficial for employers, as it detects drug use that urine tests might miss. This makes it a more insightful option for anyone needing a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's recent substance use behavior.
Extended Detection Window in Morrison Crossroads, AL
One of the most compelling benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can reveal drug use for up to 90 days. This extended perspective offers employers substantial insight into both past and recent substance use of potential hires or current employees.
By utilizing hair testing, businesses in Morrison Crossroads gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history. This enduring detection window means that employers are better equipped with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Morrison Crossroads, AL
Hair follicle tests are unique in their ability to minimize the risk of sample tampering. With the capacity to provide reliable and unquestionable results, this testing method ensures that the samples remain uncontaminated and unchanged.
Employers seeking a foolproof solution for drug testing will find hair follicle tests effective. This method reassures them of receiving accurate data, as it is very difficult for individuals to manipulate the sample, compared to other forms of drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Morrison Crossroads, AL
With Accredited Drug Testing’s extensive network of testing locations, obtaining a hair drug test in Morrison Crossroads is straightforward. Our centers are readily accessible, ensuring that the testing process is quick and hassle-free.
The availability of local and nationwide sites combines the benefits of accessibility and convenience, making it simpler for businesses and individuals to engage in drug screening without unnecessary delays or obstacles.
Simple, Confidential Process in Morrison Crossroads, AL
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is conducted in a manner that addresses privacy concerns and guarantees ease of use.
This ensures that everyone involved in the testing procedure is comfortable and secure knowing that their information is handled with the utmost confidentiality, thus maintaining personal privacy throughout the entire process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Morrison Crossroads, AL
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, ensuring affordability for companies of all sizes. This, paired with our swift turnaround times, provides great value and confidence to businesses needing quick and dependable testing results.
Our pricing models, designed to be budget-friendly, mean that businesses can maintain their drug screening practices without financial strain, while still benefiting from fast and accurate test result processing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Morrison Crossroads, AL
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and quick results. They offer high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing reliable outcomes swiftly. This method’s efficiency helps ensure that employers can make informed decisions promptly.
With the ability to deliver dependable results quickly, hair testing stands out as a superior choice for those requiring less turnaround time without sacrificing accuracy. Employers in Morrison Crossroads can depend on these tests to receive fast and trustworthy information about substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Morrison Crossroads, AL
By opting for hair follicle testing, employers can uphold compliance with workplace drug-free policies, which in turn cuts down on potential legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety.
This testing approach not only solidifies compliance but also fosters a more secure working environment, granting peace of mind to employers knowing they are taking the proper steps to maintain a drug-free workplace.