Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations are now acknowledged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch grouping of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for examination and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages involved in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This includes ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and mailed, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data registration not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid identification of drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to rule out drug consumption in the majority of samples, any positive screen must be substantiated to be valid in legal settings. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening require secondary affirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug screening presents the greatest difficulty in execution.
Verification of any positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample undergoes a wash if required before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed as “hair follicle testsâ€, the test itself scrutinizes the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Normal, AL
Extended Detection Window in Normal, AL
Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection timeframe, reaching back as far as 90 days. This long window provides a thorough insight into an individual’s drug use history, making it highly valuable for employers who want to ensure the safety and reliability of their personnel.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Normal, AL
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chances of sample tampering. The collection process ensures authenticity and integrity, as altering or substituting a hair sample is much harder compared to urine samples, thus providing dependable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Normal, AL
With a network of centers nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing is seamless. Our local facilities in Normal, AL, ensure that you receive top-notch testing services without the hassle of extensive travel, making it effortless to maintain compliance.
Simple, Confidential Process in Normal, AL
Ordering and completing a hair follicle test is highly straightforward. From scheduling to receiving results, our process prioritizes user privacy, ensuring that individual concerns are respected throughout the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Normal, AL
We offer competitive pricing that suits businesses of all sizes. Coupled with quick result times, our services provide excellent value, ensuring that companies can manage their drug testing needs efficiently and cost-effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Normal, AL
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. They offer quick turnaround times due to streamlined processing methods. The accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use surpasses traditional methods, providing high-confidence results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Normal, AL
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace initiatives. This methodology not only enhances safety but also reduces potential legal complications, facilitating a secure work environment.
