Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand, hair offers a history of alcohol and drug use over a longer period. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, serving as the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a specimen within a lab's system. This process verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid assessment for substances abused. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, positive results must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Presumptively positive samples in Screening demand further confirmation.
For samples that are presumptive positives in the Screening process, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive results from Screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive are washed before confirmation as warranted. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests", the method analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Shelby, AL, the hair follicle method triumphs with superior detection accuracy and reliability. It offers a more comprehensive picture, making it the preferred choice for employers seeking meticulous substance use analysis.
Employers in Shelby, AL, benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. This method captures drug use over a prolonged period of up to 90 days, providing a thorough insight into an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle testing in Shelby, AL, boasts a tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This robust method ensures the delivery of reliable and indisputable results for all testing procedures.
With convenient testing facilities nationwide and local options in Shelby, AL, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and effortless. Our centers provide hassle-free and efficient processes to meet your testing needs.
The hair follicle testing process in Shelby, AL, is straightforward and confidential. Ensuring privacy and ease of use, clients can seamlessly order, undergo testing, and receive results without concern.
Offering competitive pricing plans and rapid turnaround in Shelby, AL, our hair follicle testing services provide unmatched value. Companies of all sizes can rely on our efficient processes and budget-friendly options.
In Shelby, AL, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision makes them highly effective at detecting substances, ensuring that you receive the most dependable outcomes for your testing needs.
Employers in Shelby, AL, gain peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This approach mitigates legal risks and promotes a safer, more secure work environment.
