Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. The fibers of a growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged history of these substances. When hair is taken near the scalp, it may furnish up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For testing related to EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, this refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
In the lab processing of a drug test result, the primary phases are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive results from the Screening process are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing In Nances Creek, AL, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests in several aspects.
Extended Detection Window Hair follicle testing in Nances Creek, AL, offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive window allows employers to have a thorough understanding of their employees' or applicants' drug use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method The hair follicle test is renowned for its resistance to tampering, offering reliable results in Nances Creek, AL.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations Accredited Drug Testing offers multiple testing centers nationwide, including Nances Creek, AL, ensuring easy access to testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process Our testing in Nances Creek, AL, provides a straightforward and confidential process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround Offering competitive pricing in Nances Creek, AL, alongside fast turnaround times ensures excellent value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results Hair follicle tests provide rapid and precise outcomes in Nances Creek, AL. They have a remarkable accuracy in detecting substances, making them the preferred choice for thorough drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers Hair follicle testing in Nances Creek, AL, helps ensure companies meet drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risk while enhancing safety.
