Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can offer up to a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, among others).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completes any required data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't provide.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of misuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for admissibility in legal settings. Samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening do necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial collection is extracted during the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair, at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are, if necessary, cleansed before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is meticulously scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Topples Urine Testing in Providence, AL
Hair follicle testing presents a significant advantage over traditional urine testing due to its broader detection timeline and its immunity to tampering. By ensuring superior accuracy and reliability, it offers a truer insight into drug use history compared to the more commonly used urine test.
Maximized Detection Period in Providence, AL
Hair follicle testing provides a unique advantage by tracing drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This feature grants employers a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history, affording a more comprehensive view into their patterns of substance use.
Unmatched Tamper-Resistance in Testing
For those seeking assurance in substance testing, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the opportunity for sample manipulation, ensuring the highest degree of reliability and trustworthiness in the results.
Ease of Access with Local and Nationwide Centers
Whether in Providence, AL, or across the country, our accessible testing centers make it simple for clients to undergo tests quickly and seamlessly, minimizing hassle and ensuring a streamlined experience for all.
Confidential and Simple Process in Providence, AL
We prioritize privacy and ease, offering a straightforward process for ordering and conducting tests, ensuring results are confidential while maintaining a user-friendly approach to substance screening.
Value and Speed in Providence, AL
Affordability and expedience are key with our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, ensuring that companies, regardless of size, benefit from prompt and effective drug testing solutions.
In Providence, AL, Professionals Prefer Hair Follicle Testing
In the arena of drug testing, these tests stand out for delivering fast, accurate, and dependable outcomes. When it comes to detecting substance use, hair analysis is a superior choice, offering unparalleled precision and swift results that keep up with the demands of modern testing requirements.
Assured Compliance and Employer Confidence
In Providence, AL, employing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal exposure and bolstering occupational safety, providing peace of mind for employers intent on maintaining a secure work environment.
