Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely regarded as a potent method for identifying substance and alcohol use. With hair, one can capture a comprehensive chronicle of drugs and alcohol due to the entrapment of biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug presence. The collection process for hair is straightforward, comparatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a standard #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For extended tests such as EtG and those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unattainable, equivalent body hair may be substituted. It should be noted that head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encapsulates all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first processed into a lab’s system, ensuring it was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry absent from an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although this is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Any samples testing positive in Screening require further confirmation.
For presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a notably lower concentration from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral swab), making hair drug screening the most complex to execute.
Positive screening confirmations are carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test positive initially are cleansed before confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often misused as it evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pleasant Gap, AL
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. With a longer detection window and precise results, it's more effective for identifying drug use patterns. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides superior accuracy and reliability. These attributes make it the preferable choice for thorough drug screening processes.
Extended Detection Window in Pleasant Gap, AL
Hair follicle testing boasts an extensive detection period, capturing drug use for up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides employers with a detailed history of an applicant or employee's substance usage, offering a broader view of their behavioral patterns. Such insight ensures informed decision-making in workplace safety and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pleasant Gap, AL
Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the potential for sample tampering, delivering consistent and irrefutable results. This tamper-resistant quality sets them apart from other testing methods, making them a reliable choice. Employers can trust in the integrity and accuracy of the results obtained through this testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pleasant Gap, AL
Access to our nationwide and local testing centers makes the process simple and hassle-free. Testing services are quickly and easily accessible, ensuring the utmost convenience for individuals and companies. Whether locally or across the nation, our services are structured to meet your needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pleasant Gap, AL
Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This process addresses any concerns about privacy and ease of use, ensuring that individuals and companies can navigate the testing procedure with assurance. Confidentiality and simplicity are guaranteed throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pleasant Gap, AL
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing both cost-effective and timely. We offer great value without compromising on quality, providing a testing experience that supports company needs, large and small, while delivering peace of mind swiftly and at the right price.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pleasant Gap, AL
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and speed, offering results that are both swift and accurate. These tests detect substance use reliably, ensuring that results are not only fast but also reflective of a comprehensive testing process. This precision and timeliness make it an invaluable choice for those needing dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pleasant Gap, AL
Using hair follicle testing ensures that companies can comply with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. This method enhances workplace safety and provides peace of mind for employers who are committed to maintaining a secure and efficient work environment through reliable testing standards.
