Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug or alcohol use. Hair strands offer a longer-term view of alcohol or drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a corresponding amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other varieties of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing drug test results in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is integrated into the laboratory system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial, rapid assessment for drugs. While a cost-efficient method to identify drug usage for most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing potential positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show potential positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete laboratory procedure is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Myrtlewood, AL, stands superior to traditional urine tests. It boasts enhanced detection and reliability, outperforming urine analysis thanks to its longer detection period and reduced likelihood of falsification. Employers preferring stringent policies choose hair tests for their higher accuracy and defensibility, confidently assessing employee drug use with greater precision.
Employers in Myrtlewood, AL, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which stretches up to 90 days. This lengthy period provides a detailed view of a candidate or employee's substance history, revealing patterns of use over time, delivering insights that are comprehensive and valuable for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Myrtlewood, AL, offer a tamper-resistant method, significantly lowering the risk of adulteration. This integrity is due to the difficulty of altering or disguising results compared to other testing types, thereby producing reliable and conclusive findings for those concerned with authenticity and accuracy.
In Myrtlewood, AL, convenience is key with our extensive network of testing centers. Our nationwide locations ensure swift and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing, allowing clients to find local facilities with ease, streamlining the testing process, and making it accessible for everyone needing reliable results.
Hair follicle testing in Myrtlewood, AL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing any confidentiality concerns. This straightforward procedure is developed to be efficient and discreet, prioritizing client comfort and data protection.
Our services in Myrtlewood, AL, combine affordable pricing with quick turnaround times in hair follicle testing. We are committed to offering competitive rates, providing excellent value across varying company sizes. Clients receive timely results, reinforcing the importance of economic pricing coupled with fast service delivery.
In Myrtlewood, AL, hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are known for their high precision in detecting substance use, ensuring that results are trustworthy and immediate. Hair testing surpasses other methods due to its fast and dependable outcomes, offering unparalleled insights into an individual's substance use history.
For employers in Myrtlewood, AL, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal liabilities while promoting workplace safety. It offers peace of mind by removing doubts about adherence to regulations, enhancing organizational confidence in maintaining a secure and productive environment.
