Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We advise measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for determining drug test outcomes consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of processing a sample into the laboratory’s records. This step involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid check for substances. While Screening effectively identifies drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be accepted legally. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further analysis for confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a complex technique.
To confirm any positive Screenings, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed. All samples testing presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation, if necessary. The full protocol from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the testing analyzes the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Putnam, AL, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in effectiveness. The reasons are clear: hair tests offer a broader detection window, more accuracy, and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a long-term view of an individual’s usage. Employers and professionals favor this method for its resilience against cheating and its broader detection spectrum, ensuring superior outcomes in drug evaluation.
Employers in Putnam, AL, benefit from hair follicle testing’s extended detection window, which covers up to 90 days. This lengthy period offers a detailed understanding of a candidate's or employee's drug history. Unlike shorter-term testing methods, hair analysis provides a comprehensive account of substance use, thereby assisting employers in making informed decisions about potential and current employees.
The hair follicle testing method, utilized in Putnam, AL, delivers a tamper-resistant solution for drug screening. This technique significantly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable and unquestionable outcomes. By adopting hair testing, individuals and organizations benefit from a secure process, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the test results are uncompromised.
Convenience is key with our testing facilities, accessible in Putnam, AL, and beyond. Our network of nationwide centers ensures hassle-free, quick testing services, providing unmatched accessibility. Whether local or widespread, clients in Putnam benefit from easy access to our efficient hair follicle testing, ensuring a streamlined experience for all testing needs.
In Putnam, AL, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results are straightforward and maintain privacy. The streamlined procedure assures users of a hassle-free experience, addressing any concerns regarding ease of use and confidentiality, ultimately granting peace of mind throughout the testing journey.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround in Putnam, AL, hair follicle testing offers exceptional value. Catering to businesses of all sizes, our pricing structure ensures affordability without sacrificing quality. The rapid processing of tests further enhances the appeal, providing organizations with prompt information necessary for maintaining a productive and secure environment.
In Putnam, AL, hair follicle drug testing ensures swift and accurate results. This method is celebrated for its ability to detect substances with high precision. The meticulous process ensures that results are both fast and reliable, making it a preferred choice for those needing comprehensive analysis of drug use. Hair testing stands out with an unparalleled ability to pinpoint accurate data, ensuring trust in the outcomes delivered.
In Putnam, AL, using hair follicle testing supports employers’ goals for compliance and peace of mind. This approach aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing safety standards. By choosing hair testing, organizations demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a secure and drug-free environment, thereby fostering a positive and productive workforce culture.
