Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps within the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for substances of concern. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive result requires verification to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples that test positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests, the former significantly outshines the latter in many areas. In Oakman, AL, these tests are preferred because hair tests cover a broader detection window, offering evidence of drug use over months. While urine tests provide a snapshot of recent use, hair testing reveals a longer history, providing a comprehensive substance profile, enhancing accuracy and reliability.
Employers in Oakman, AL, often prefer hair follicle testing because it offers a detection window of up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, which is invaluable for employers wishing to maintain a drug-free environment. By offering insights that span beyond the brief window provided by urine tests, hair testing ensures a more thorough assessment.
The hair follicle test is a tamper-resistant method of drug detection widely used in Oakman, AL, due to its reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can sometimes be adulterated or substituted, hair tests are conducted under close supervision, significantly minimizing the chance of sample tampering. The results from hair testing are therefore trustworthy and provide a clear picture of an individual's substance use.
Oakman, AL, benefits from our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, ensuring convenient and straightforward access to hair follicle drug testing. With numerous locations available, getting to a testing site is hassle-free and quick. This convenience is ideal for those who require efficient and accessible testing services without the need to travel long distances, ensuring timely testing for all clients.
In Oakman, AL, the process of hair follicle drug testing is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is streamlined and secure. Individuals can rest assured that their privacy is protected throughout the process, as the procedures are carried out with the utmost discretion, addressing any privacy concerns with ease and efficiency.
Oakman, AL, offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle drug tests. By maintaining affordable pricing structures, we cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive excellent value. Businesses looking for reliable testing solutions can benefit from quick results and fair costs, which are crucial for maintaining budget considerations while ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
In Oakman, AL, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid results. These tests are unmatched in their ability to accurately detect substance use. Unlike other methods, hair testing can reveal the presence of drugs or alcohol with a high degree of certainty, ensuring that individuals are either properly screened or cleared swiftly. This method offers reliable, fast results essential for various professional and personal scenarios.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Oakman, AL, helps employers uphold workplace drug-free policies, thereby ensuring compliance and safety. This method supports adherence to legal standards and is an effective tool for reducing potential legal risks. By opting for hair testing, companies not only safeguard their reputation but also create a safer working environment, providing peace of mind to both employers and employees.
