Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a potent method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommended 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main procedures in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody platform.
Screening provides a rapid, preliminary check for abuse substances. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that appear positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the primary specimen and made ready for Extraction. At this point, substances are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis poses the most challenge as a methodology.
Confirmation of all positive screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Saint Florian, AL, hair testing proves superior to urine testing by delivering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a broader time window and are less susceptible to tampering, offering peace of mind.
Extended Detection Window
Employers in Saint Florian, AL benefit from hair follicle testing’s ability to reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, granting a detailed view of a person's substance habits over an extended period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Saint Florian, AL reduce the potential for sample tampering significantly. This ensures that results are both reliable and beyond question, making them a trusted choice.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
For residents of Saint Florian, AL, our nationwide and local testing centers provide effortless access to drug testing services, eliminating any inconvenience or delay in the process.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process in Saint Florian, AL for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, users experience a stress-free practice that respects privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Saint Florian, AL businesses benefit from our competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround, ensuring high value and reassurance for companies across varying sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Saint Florian, AL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their quick and precise results. They offer unmatched accuracy in detecting drug use, ensuring that users get the insights they need promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Saint Florian, AL helps employers stay compliant with drug-free work policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and promotes a safer working environment.