Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair is not only easy to collect, but it's also relatively resistant to tampering and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or over 10-panel examinations, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's beneficial to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample has been sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a quick preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug use in most samples, a positive result in screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need secondary verification.
If a sample is suspected positive during the Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Positive results from Screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Stapleton, AL, offers superior benefits over urine testing due to its enhanced detection accuracy. While traditional urine tests have limitations, hair tests provide thorough insights into an individual's drug use history.
Compared to urine tests, which can be limited in scope, hair follicle testing in Stapleton, AL highlights superior detection reliability, giving a more complete understanding of substance use.
Employers in Stapleton, AL, are increasingly turning to hair follicle testing for its extended detection window. With the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days, this method offers a far more comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance use history.
The long detection period offered by hair testing provides a solid basis for decisions in Stapleton, AL, allowing organizations to assess long-term patterns of drug use rather than recent behavior.
Hair follicle testing in Stapleton, AL, is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, the secured collection and processing of hair samples minimize adulteration risks, ensuring unquestionable results.
The reduced risk of sample tampering with hair testing provides a trustworthy and reliable solution for accurate drug testing, appreciated widely in Stapleton, AL.
In Stapleton, AL, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers shines through. These facilities ensure quick and easy access to reliable testing services, eliminating hassle and providing efficient access for all.
Our broad network of locations makes testing hassle-free, facilitating the swift execution of tests without unnecessary travel or delays for participants in Stapleton, AL.
The hair follicle testing process in Stapleton, AL, is simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease, addressing any concerns users may have over their confidentiality.
The trace-less and user-friendly experience of hair testing in Stapleton, AL, reinforces confidence in the process, making it accessible and straightforward for all involved.
In Stapleton, AL, hair follicle testing stands out for its affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. These aspects ensure it delivers valuable and cost-effective testing solutions to businesses across various sizes.
By offering competitive prices and efficient service, hair testing in Stapleton, AL, provides peace of mind and dependable results, meeting the financial constraints of companies with different scales.
In Stapleton, AL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and remarkable precision. The quick turnaround time ensures that results are not only fast but also highly accurate when identifying substance use, providing both employers and individuals with reliable data.
The high accuracy of hair testing in detecting substances over an extended period makes it a preferable choice for many in Stapleton, AL. Ensuring accuracy means that decisions based on test results are dependable and trustworthy.
Employers in Stapleton, AL, appreciate the peace of mind that comes with hair follicle testing for its high compliance levels. It ensures drug-free workplace policies are maintained, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety.
Using hair testing, organizations in Stapleton, AL, achieve not only compliance but also foster a secure and healthy work environment, reinforcing their commitment to safety.