Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Talladega, AL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When taken from just below the scalp, hair offers a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drug use. Hair samples are easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.

A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and validation. For tests including EtG, additional analysis, and/or more than 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair is an alternative. When we say head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair categories (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the laboratory procedure for drug test analysis are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial intake of a specimen into the lab’s system. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as an initial rapid test for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly technique to negate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires further validation before being used in legal proceedings. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening need secondary verification.

If a sample indicates presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), illustrating why hair drug testing is the most complex method to execute.

Positive Screening outcomes are authenticated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo a cleaning process prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Tampering with a hair drug test is quite difficult, enhancing result reliability.
• Offers historical use insights: It reveals a drug use trend over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair about 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than alternative drug screening methods.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and growth rate may influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Talladega, AL

• Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers enhanced detection accuracy.
• Employers prefer hair tests due to their extended detection window, covering up to 90 days.
• Reliable and precise, hair testing ensures better insights into substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Talladega, AL

• Hair follicle testing can reveal drug use from as far back as 90 days.
• Employers gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history.
• This extended window surpasses that of traditional testing methods and provides more detailed information.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Talladega, AL

• Hair follicle tests significantly deter sample tampering and adulteration.
• The testing process is designed to be reliable, providing unquestionable results.
• Employers and officials can trust the integrity of the sample and the results obtained.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Talladega, AL

• Our expansive network provides easy access to testing services nationwide.
• Local testing centers in Talladega ensure quick and hassle-free testing experiences.
• Convenience is prioritized to facilitate employers and individuals alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Talladega, AL

• The process of ordering and undergoing the test is straightforward and quick.
• Emphasis on confidentiality reassures users about privacy and data protection.
• The ease of receiving results without complications supports user satisfaction.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Talladega, AL

• Competitive pricing structures offer great value to companies of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround times ensure that results are delivered promptly.
• Affordable options make thorough testing accessible to a wider range of businesses.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Talladega, AL

• Precision in hair follicle drug testing ensures high accuracy in substance use detection.
• Quick and reliable results contribute to informed decisions by employers.
• The thorough process of hair testing minimizes errors, providing confidence in the outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Talladega, AL

• Adopting hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies.
• Reduces potential legal risks for the company, promoting a safer work environment.
• Employers can rest assured knowing that testing protocols meet regulatory standards.

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