Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The growing hair strands entrap biomarkers that provide a long-term record of alcohol and drug exposure. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer up to a roughly three-month detection time frame for drug and alcohol use. Collecting hair is straightforward, a bit challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended panels, or beyond 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is suggested. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample was secured and transported correctly. This step also involves assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) and completing any additional data that might not be provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary examination for drug abuse. Despite being cost-effective for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with presumptive positive results during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to perform.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. This comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests actually evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Mount Meigs, AL, hair follicle tests hold a significant advantage over urine tests, offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine testing, which reflects recent substance use, hair follicle tests detect drug use over a more extended period. Their accuracy makes them the preferred choice for companies and legal systems aiming to enforce robust drug policies.
Extended Detection: Hair samples reveal patterns of drug use up to 90 days, providing a detailed consumption history that urine tests cannot match.
Employers in Mount Meigs, AL, benefit from hair follicle testing's broad detection window that spans up to 90 days. This extended timeframe grants a full view of an individual’s substance history, making it an ideal screening tool for both applicants and employees.
Comprehensive Insights: By covering an extensive detection range, hair testing enables employers to assess continual drug use, ensuring a safer and more informed hiring process, as opposed to limited-window tests like urine.
Hair follicle testing in Mount Meigs, AL, stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair samples are difficult to manipulate, ensuring the authenticity of the results.
Unquestionable Results: With an almost impossible chance of cheating, hair testing provides employers with reliable outcomes.
Convenience is key with Accredited Drug Testing's centers across Mount Meigs, AL, and nationwide. Our locations ensure quick and easy access to testing services, minimizing the hassle involved in the drug screening process.
Streamlined Service: Wherever you are, testing is just a step away, simplifying logistics and enhancing convenience.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Mount Meigs, AL, remains straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, it’s designed to protect privacy and ensure comfort throughout.
Effortless Experience: Orders and results handling exemplify ease and security, attending to privacy concerns adeptly.
Mount Meigs, AL, enjoys affordable pricing and swift results with Accredited Drug Testing. Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround offers compelling value suited for businesses and individuals seeking reliable screening solutions.
Value for Money: By balancing cost with quick processing times, our services cater to myriad clients, providing economic efficiency and assurance against competitive market rates.
The pace of hair follicle drug tests in Mount Meigs, AL, is unparalleled, offering speed and precision. These tests yield highly accurate results when detecting substance consumption. Their efficiency in the detection process marks them as a dependable choice for assessing drug use over various periods.
High Accuracy: Hair follicle tests are among the most reliable methods to confirm long-term drug usage. They ensure comprehensive detection and precise outcomes, making them the standard for discerning substance use with enhanced accuracy.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Mount Meigs, AL, assures employers of a compliant, drug-free workplace. As a tool for reducing legal liabilities, it provides peace of mind, aligning with regulations and enhancing overall workplace safety.
Policy Compliance: By opting for hair testing, companies meet legal standards effortlessly, reducing risks and fostering a secure environment that conforms to drug-free policies.
