Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can potentially reveal consumption activity for up to a 3-month period concerning alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s framework. This ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an initial, quick assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use for most samples, confirming a positive screen is essential for court admissibility. All samples that show a positive indication in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample indicate potential positivity during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the existing sample for Preparation for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are distilled from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging approach to administer.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive findings are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves examining the hair strand itself, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Hair testing in Piedmont, AL outshines more traditional urine tests with its superior detection capabilities.
Employers and legal entities benefit significantly from hair tests due to their prolonged detection period of up to 90 days. This allows them to maintain high standards.
The precision and reliability of hair testing make it a preferable choice for many over the conventional urine tests, which are limited by a shorter detection window.
Piedmont, AL takes advantage of hair follicle testing for its remarkable detection window of up to 90 days.
This broad time frame gives employers insight into a person’s long-term substance use, allowing for more informed decisions.
By assessing substance use over a longer duration, hair tests provide a comprehensive history that urine tests cannot match, offering a complete drug-use picture.
The hair follicle testing method used in Piedmont, AL significantly minimizes the chances of adulteration.
Unlike urine tests, which might be manipulated, hair tests provide reliable and unalterable results.
With this method, the integrity of the sample is firmly maintained, and the accurate detection of substance use is almost guaranteed, reinforcing its reliability.
Convenience is key with testing centers available nationwide, including Piedmont, AL.
This wide network ensures that accessing testing services is quick and straightforward.
The hassle-free locations simplify the process for individuals needing tests, making them a vital resource for efficient and comprehensive testing services.
The process of ordering and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both straightforward and confidential in Piedmont, AL.
Individuals can be assured of privacy and simplicity with this process, addressing any concerns regarding security.
The ease of use reinforces trust, allowing people to undergo testing confidently and confidentially.
In Piedmont, AL, competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses.
This testing approach provides excellent value, catering to various organizational sizes with prompt and precise service.
Fast results combined with cost-effective solutions ensure that businesses receive the best value for their investment.
In Piedmont, AL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. They offer precise insights into substance use, making them an invaluable tool for employers and legal systems.
These tests provide fast and trustworthy results, ensuring that any recorded substance use is captured effectively.
The reliability of hair follicle testing ensures high standards are met consistently. It's designed for quick and thorough analysis, reinforcing its credibility in drug testing.
In Piedmont, AL, employers gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
This testing method reduces legal liabilities and improves workplace safety by reliably detecting substance use.
Employers are assured of maintaining a safe and compliant working environment, strengthening their commitment to employee well-being.
