Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a comprehensive record of substance use by absorbing markers within the strands of hair as they grow. When sampled close to the roots, hair can reveal substance consumption for up to roughly three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of hair, consisting of about 200 strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the roots, yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For tests like EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond ten panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a specimen within the laboratory’s framework. This step includes confirming that the specimen was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although it’s an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires verification to be valid in legal contexts. Any sample that tests positive in the Screening phase necessitates further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves isolating substances from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair analysis is the most challenging method to conduct.
Verification of any positive Screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive undergo a washing process before verification as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sylvan Springs, AL, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests by offering superior detection capabilities. Hair testing's longer detection window provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, compared to the short-term window offered by urine tests.
The benefits of hair follicle testing in Sylvan Springs extend beyond its extended detection period. It offers accuracy and reliability, detecting substances more effectively than traditional urine tests, thus making it a preferred choice for many institutions.
The extended detection period of hair follicle testing in Sylvan Springs allows for a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history. With a detection window reaching up to 90 days, employers can gain a comprehensive insight into an applicant or employee’s substance use, better informing hiring or retention decisions.
Employers in Sylvan Springs benefit from the prolonged detection capability of hair follicle tests. With insights spanning up to 90 days, this testing method provides a clearer picture of consistent drug use, helping in maintaining a drug-free workplace effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Sylvan Springs, AL, significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Its robust nature ensures that the sample collected remains untouched and authentic, providing reliable results that are difficult to dispute.
Reduces the likelihood of tampering make hair follicle tests a preferred choice in Sylvan Springs. The method’s resilience against sample adulteration ensures that results are unequivocally reliable and trusted for their integrity.
In Sylvan Springs, AL, convenient access to nationwide testing centers offers a hassle-free experience. Ensuring a network of locally accessible locations, hair follicle testing can be conducted swiftly and efficiently, meeting the needs of individuals and businesses with ease.
The availability of local testing centers in Sylvan Springs enhances accessibility, providing fast and convenient service to the community. Nationwide coverage supports reliable testing access, efficiently serving diverse client needs.
Hair follicle testing in Sylvan Springs offers a straightforward and confidential process. From order placement to sample collection and result retrieval, each step is designed to respect privacy, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all involved, safeguarding confidentiality at every stage.
The simplicity of the testing process in Sylvan Springs caters to those seeking privacy and efficiency. Providing an easy-to-navigate approach, hair follicle testing ensures confidentiality and reliability throughout the testing journey.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Sylvan Springs delivers excellent value. Catering to businesses of various sizes, the affordability of testing services ensures that employers can make informed decisions without financial strain.
The affordability of hair follicle testing in Sylvan Springs, coupled with quick result delivery, provides timely and valuable insights. This combination offers peace of mind to companies, ensuring effective substance use assessments at a cost-effective rate.
Hair follicle drug tests in Sylvan Springs, AL, are renowned for their precision and speed. With high accuracy, they effectively identify substance use, providing fast and reliable results. The efficiency of hair testing ensures quick turnaround times, enhancing the overall testing process experience.
Fast, accurate, and reliable are the hallmarks of hair follicle drug tests. The method's precision in detecting substances offers a dependable approach in Sylvan Springs, ensuring clear and prompt results for those seeking reliable testing outcomes.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Sylvan Springs brings about peace of mind for employers. Ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies, it reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, assuring employers of a secure and compliant environment.
Employers in Sylvan Springs find assurance in hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal exposures. The reliability of this method streamlines maintaining a compliant and secure workplace.
