Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The detection of drug and alcohol use has been significantly enhanced by hair testing. Hair captures biomarkers, providing a long-term record of substance use within its strands as they grow. Hair samples taken close to the scalp offer a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands near the scalp yields 100mg, an ideal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or evaluations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measuring is suggested. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When we talk about head hair, it exclusively means scalp hair, whereas body hair includes other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of achieving a result in a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial step of integrating a specimen into the laboratory's system, verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry that the electronic chain of custody has not provided.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Although it's a cost-effective way to exclude drug presence in most samples, a confirmed positive result is essential for legal admissibility. Any samples tentatively positive in this stage require further confirmation.
If Screening shows presumptive positivity, additional hair is prepared for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), labeling hair testing as the most complex to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screen is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all tentatively positive samples are washed where necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term “hair follicle testsâ€, the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oneonta, AL
Hair testing provides a greater level of accuracy and dependability compared to the conventional urine test. Its proficiency in identifying prolonged drug use gives it an edge over urine testing, ensuring Oneonta's employers and individuals get the reliable data they need for informed decision-making.
Extended Detection Window in Oneonta, AL
The hair follicle test excels with its extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This longer period provides employers in Oneonta, AL, with a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, far exceeding what shorter-detection tests can offer.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oneonta, AL
With a collection process that minimizes the potential for tampering, hair follicle testing offers Oneonta, AL users a trustworthy and secure testing experience. This ensures the integrity of each sample, leading to results that are both reliable and credible.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oneonta, AL
Our testing centers, scattered across the nation, include facilities in Oneonta, AL, ensuring straightforward and convenient access for all. The broad network offers a hassle-free way for clients to obtain necessary testing services quickly and effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oneonta, AL
Our straightforward and confidential testing procedure in Oneonta, AL, ensures client comfort and privacy. From the moment of ordering to the swift receipt of results, the entire process is handled discreetly, offering ease and peace of mind throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oneonta, AL
Competitively priced and efficiently processed, our services in Oneonta, AL, promise excellent value for every company. The rapid turnaround on results assures businesses that they can make timely decisions without compromising budgetary constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oneonta, AL
Hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid and precise results. They excel in detecting recent substance use with unmatched accuracy, providing employers and individuals in Oneonta, AL, the confidence that results are both fast and reliable. This method surpasses others in its ability to deliver trustworthy data quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oneonta, AL
Employers using hair follicle testing in Oneonta, AL, benefit from assured compliance with drug-free policies. This method reduces legal liabilities and promotes enhanced safety in the workplace, offering peace of mind through stringent adherence to health and safety standards.
