Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair for drug and alcohol testing is now recognized as an effective method. Hair can create a lengthy timeline of substance usage by encasing biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken from close to the scalp, hair offers approximately a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. It is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for initial and confirmatory screenings. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the weight with a jeweler's scale. If there isn’t any scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair should be collected. In terms of head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other variations (like facial or axillary hair).
Overview of the Process
There are four core stages in processing a drug test result at the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system. This stage checks that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary drug abuse check. Although it is economical for ruling out drugs in most samples, legal acceptability of a positive screen requires confirmation. Any samples suggesting positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Upon presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is isolated from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other processes (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests a complex methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive results from Screening. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Disadvantages:
Note: Often named "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Red Bay, AL
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage over traditional urine tests with greater accuracy and reliability. Unlike urinalysis, which covers a limited time, hair testing extends detection periods, ensuring comprehensive insights into substance use, making it an invaluable tool for employers and legal systems.
Extended Detection Window in Red Bay, AL
Hair follicle testing shines with its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to gain valuable insights into an applicant's substance history, facilitating more informed decisions and offering a clearer picture of long-term drug use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Red Bay, AL
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of tampering, offering reliable results. Unlike urine samples, which can be altered, hair samples are collected in a way that's difficult to adulterate, providing trustworthy results essential for maintaining integrity and accountability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Red Bay, AL
With widespread testing facilities, Accredited Drug Testing makes hair analysis convenient. Our extensive network ensures swift and hassle-free access to testing services, whether locally in Red Bay or nationwide, providing ease and flexibility for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Red Bay, AL
We ensure a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering to receiving results, privacy concerns are prioritized, ensuring clients experience a seamless journey that upholds confidentiality every step of the way.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Red Bay, AL
Offering competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, Accredited Drug Testing brings exceptional value to businesses of any scale. With budget-friendly options and quick turnaround, clients receive outstanding service while maintaining cost efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Red Bay, AL
Hair follicle drug tests boast impressive accuracy and speed. By analyzing hair samples, these tests effectively identify substance use, providing quick and dependable results. Speedy processing means individuals and organizations can rely on fast decision-making backed by high accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Red Bay, AL
Employing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers can rest easy knowing they have a reliable method to back their policies, reducing potential liabilities and fostering a safer working environment.
