Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When taken near the scalp, it can offer an estimated 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Moreover, acquiring hair samples is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which serves as the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and assays beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This procedure confirms the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary check for substances. While this approach is economical for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for court acceptance. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further verification.
When a Screening result shows a presumptive positive, additional hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are pulled from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening represents a challenging methodology.
Confirmation is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS for any positive screen. Samples with presumptive positives undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab series from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Spruce Pine, AL
The benefits of hair testing over urine tests in Spruce Pine are clear. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a comprehensive view of drug use. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses minimize the risk of tampering and provide an extended detection window, making them a preferred choice for employers and authorities alike.
In contrast to traditional methods, hair tests offer a distinct advantage with their ability to trace prolonged drug use, ensuring a more accurate and thorough assessment, vastly enhancing detection capabilities over urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Spruce Pine, AL
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Spruce Pine is its extended detection window. This method enables the detection of drug use for up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, making it indispensable for employers who need detailed information about a candidate's or employee's past usage.
Hair testing's prolonged detection period sets it apart, offering greater insight into long-term patterns of drug use, thus reinforcing its status as a robust tool for pre-employment and routine screenings.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Spruce Pine, AL
Hair follicle testing in Spruce Pine stands out for its tamper-resistant qualities. This testing method significantly reduces the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring reliable and indisputable results for all stakeholders involved. Unlike other tests, the hair sample cannot easily be adulterated, making this approach highly dependable.
For employers and legal professionals seeking reliable outcomes, hair follicle tests provide a trustworthy mechanism that ensures the integrity of the results, bolstering confidence in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Spruce Pine, AL
Our extensive network of testing locations provides easy access to drug testing services in Spruce Pine and beyond. With centers available nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures a swift and hassle-free process for collecting samples, alleviating logistical concerns for both local and remote clients.
This convenience simplifies the testing process, allowing for prompt and smooth service delivery, regardless of location, ensuring that clients have seamless access to crucial testing resources.
Simple, Confidential Process in Spruce Pine, AL
The hair follicle testing process in Spruce Pine is straightforward and confidential, ensuring that individuals can order, undergo testing, and receive results with ease. Our procedures prioritize privacy, addressing any concerns about personal data security and confidentiality effectively.
Navigating the testing process is simplified to ensure participant comfort, fostering a discreet environment that upholds the privacy needs of our clients, making the process worry-free and accessible.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Spruce Pine, AL
Our competitive pricing structure coupled with fast turnaround times ensures excellent value for companies in Spruce Pine, regardless of size. We provide cost-effective solutions while maintaining the highest quality standards and rapid result delivery for all testing needs.
Offering affordability and speed, our services support efficient business operations, allowing companies to conduct necessary drug screenings without financial strain and with minimal downtime.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Spruce Pine, AL
Hair follicle drug tests in Spruce Pine boast precision and speed. The tests are recognized for their high detection accuracy, swiftly identifying substance use with an unparalleled level of reliability. Companies and individuals can rely on these tests to deliver quick and dependable information about drug consumption.
With hair follicle testing, results are not only fast but also incredibly precise, ensuring that employers receive dependable data for informed decision-making. This method eliminates uncertainty and provides peace of mind when reviewing an individual’s substance use history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Spruce Pine, AL
Hair follicle testing offers employers in Spruce Pine peace of mind by ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies. Implementing this testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by accurately monitoring employee substance use.
With hair testing, companies can uphold rigorous standards and maintain a drug-free environment, assuring both productivity and security at the workplace, while reducing potential liabilities.
