Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means to detect the use of drugs and alcohol. Through entrapping biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, hair can provide an extended history of alcohol and drugs. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for up to around 3 months for drugs and alcohol. It's straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step involves confirming the sample was adequately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical option to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples indicating positive results in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample is likely positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the first specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs get extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging practice to execute.
Any positive screening results undergo Confirmation through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Newton, AL
The advantages of hair testing over urine are compelling. Hair follicle tests excel in detection accuracy and are more reliable. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter window, hair tests can identify drug use over three months, offering unmatched insights, particularly for employers enforcing strict drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Newton, AL
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period of up to 90 days, far surpassing that of urine tests. This prolonged window offers a fuller picture of a person's substance usage, aiding employers in making informed hiring and retention decisions. It enables a thorough examination of an individual's drug history, increasing workplace safety and policy compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Newton, AL
With hair follicle testing, the chances of sample adulteration or tampering are greatly minimized, offering credible results. This method assures employers of the integrity and authenticity of test outcomes. Compared to urine tests, the resilience of hair samples against tampering makes them an indispensable tool in maintaining drug-free workplaces.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Newton, AL
Our widespread network of testing centers ensures easy accessibility and convenience nationwide. Each center provides fast and reliable testing services, minimizing hassle. In Newton, AL, locals benefit from nearby centers, enabling quick and efficient access to necessary testing, reinforcing the community's commitment to public health and safety.
Simple, Confidential Process in Newton, AL
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and keeps your privacy intact. From scheduling to receiving results, each step is designed to protect personal information, ensuring a discrete experience.
Employers and clients alike can enjoy a seamless and confidential testing process, underscoring Accredited Drug Testing's commitment to user privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Newton, AL
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing, ensuring cost-effective solutions for companies of all sizes. Our hair follicle tests come with quick turnaround times, delivering results efficiently without breaking the bank. This balance of affordability and speed provides businesses with exceptional value and peace of mind in their drug testing operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Newton, AL
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise detection of substance use, outpacing traditional methods in accuracy. Their reliability ensures minimal wait times, allowing employers to make informed decisions promptly. This testing method delivers peace of mind with its unparalleled dependability and speed, ensuring comprehensive and trustworthy outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Newton, AL
Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers uphold drug-free workplace policies, significantly lowering legal risks and enhancing safety. This thorough testing approach ensures adherence to company policies and legislation, fostering a safer and more compliant work environment.
Employers gain confidence and reassurance by employing such reliable screening methodologies.
