Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as a highly effective method for monitoring drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, hair offers a comprehensive long-term record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period for drugs and alcohol lasting up to approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 strands of hair (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG and additional tests beyond 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is preferred. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically signifies scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (face, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial phase where a sample is processed into the lab system. This phase checks that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional necessary data entry outside of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid test for commonly abused drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive Screening result requires confirmation before it is court-admissible. Any samples that may test positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that test presumptively positive are washed before Confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Typically known as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Oak Hill, AL, hair follicle testing undeniably outshines urine testing due to its superior detection ability. Advantages include a longer detection timeline for drugs, making it more comprehensive than standard urine tests. With enhanced reliability, hair testing offers employers a robust mechanism to uphold zero-tolerance drug policies, ensuring a safer workplace for everyone involved.
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, AL, is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days.Employers gain a clear perspective on an individual's substance use history.
This prolonged detection window is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions regarding applicants and current workforce assessments.
Hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, AL, offers a strong defense against sample tampering.Reliability is a key aspect as manipulating hair samples is significantly more challenging.
This method ensures that results are credible and consistent, which is vital for maintaining an honest testing process in both corporate and legal contexts.
The convenience of accessing hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, AL, is amplified due to the vast network of nationwide testing centers.Easy Access guarantees a straightforward and efficient testing experience.
For residents and businesses in Oak Hill, these accessible locations mean testing is quick and hassle-free, improving overall engagement with our services.
Offering a simple and confidential process, hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, AL, prioritizes user privacy.Convenience is key—from scheduling tests to receiving results.
Clients can be assured of a secure process, making it easy to incorporate into routine checks, whether for personal or professional purposes.
Affordable pricing and rapid turnaround of hair follicle tests in Oak Hill, AL, enhance value for businesses of varied sizes. Competitive Pricing ensures organizations can balance cost-effectiveness with quality.
Fast results translate into timely decision-making, reinforcing the worth of investing in these comprehensive testing services.
Hair follicle drug tests in Oak Hill, AL, are known for delivering precise and quick outcomes. Accuracy is paramount, with these tests expertly identifying substance use to provide trustworthy results for clients.
Additionally, hair tests not only promise rapid results but ensure those results hold a high level of reliability and precision, reinforcing their status as a preferred method.
Employers in Oak Hill, AL, experience increased peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies.Compliance with regulations helps in reducing potential legal liabilities.
This testing method thus contributes to a more secure and efficient work environment, safeguarding both the company's integrity and employee trust.
