Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as an archive of alcohol and drug history by securing biomarkers within the strands of the hair in growth. When harvested nearing the scalp, hair can provide up to an estimated three months of detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for assessment and validation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. With reference to head hair, this implies scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all additional hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps in the lab analysis of a drug testing outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s system. This process involves validating that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening refers to an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening provides an economical means to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive findings must be confirmed to be legally acceptable. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening require subsequent verification.
When a sample displays presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most technically challenging approach.
Confirmation of any positive findings from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed ahead of confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination primarily evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mount Andrew, AL: Hair follicle tests offer superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. They provide comprehensive detection of drug use, extending the detection window significantly, which is advantageous for employers seeking thorough assessments.
Unlike urine tests with shorter detection periods, hair testing covers a broader timeframe, offering a clear view of an individual’s long-term substance habits. This enhanced detection capability aids in making informed hiring and policy decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Mount Andrew, AL: Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This broad timeframe is instrumental in evaluating long-term drug use patterns.
Employers gain valuable insights into an applicant or employee’s drug habits, ensuring informed hiring and management decisions. This extended detection is unmatched by urine tests, making it a preferred choice for thorough assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mount Andrew, AL: Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable and unquestionable results. This method's resistant nature ensures the integrity and trustworthiness of the test outcomes.
The observed collection process inherent in hair testing reduces opportunities for tampering, providing employers with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the test, crucial for maintaining drug-free work environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Mount Andrew, AL: Our network of testing centers across the nation provides quick, easy access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring hassle-free experiences for individuals and employers alike.
With local centers in Mount Andrew, scheduling and attending drug tests is simplified, enhancing convenience and reducing the effort and time required for compliance with testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mount Andrew, AL: The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is designed to be seamless and discreet.
This user-friendly approach provides individuals and employers in Mount Andrew with peace of mind, knowing that their privacy is respected and the process is uncomplicated, making it an attractive testing option.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mount Andrew, AL: Our competitive pricing structures coupled with speedy turnaround times provide excellent value, making hair follicle testing accessible to companies of all sizes.
Employers benefit from cost-effective solutions without sacrificing accuracy, gaining quick insights into employee substance use while maintaining budget efficiency. This balance of affordability and rapid results is crucial for effective drug testing programs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mount Andrew, AL: Hair follicle drug testing stands out with its exceptional precision and quick results in detecting substance use. This method provides a high level of accuracy, ensuring reliable outcomes that employers in Mount Andrew can trust.
With rapid processing times, test results are delivered promptly, facilitating swift decision-making in employment settings. Employers benefit from the confidence of accurate results, enhancing the efficiency of their drug testing programs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mount Andrew, AL: Employing hair follicle testing assures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks, and enhancing safety within the workplace. This method is an effective tool for maintaining strict drug policies.
By integrating hair testing, employers in Mount Andrew achieve peace of mind, knowing they are adhering to legal requirements and promoting a safe and efficient working environment for all employees.
