Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tallassee, AL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers, offering a historical record of alcohol and other drug use. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can provide an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to alter, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We propose weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The primary stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample's secure sealing and correct shipping, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening allows for a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Any samples appearing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

Should a sample initially test presumptively positive, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this point, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.

For confirmatory testing of any positive screenings, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed. Samples yielding presumptive positive results are subjected to cleansing before confirmation, if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards 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 with shorter detection spans.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, which enhances the accuracy of results.
• Delivers historical context: Offers a record of drug use over a duration, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair usually after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Tallassee, AL reveals notable advantages. Hair testing boasts superior detection and unparalleled accuracy, effectively identifying drug use over extended periods. This makes it a preferred choice for precise and trustworthy analysis, valuing its comprehensive detection capabilities.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Tallassee, AL benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, which track drug use for up to 90 days. This offers a thorough view of an individual's substance history, aiding in better-informed decision-making processes, pivotal for maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests implemented in Tallassee, AL are incredibly tamper-resistant, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This approach ensures that reliable and unquestionable results are delivered, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process and providing peace of mind for those relying on its outcome.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Discover the convenience of our nationwide testing centers with local outlets in Tallassee, AL. Our easily accessible locations facilitate swift and hassle-free testing services, ensuring efficiency and convenience for all testing requirements, regardless of your location.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of using hair follicle testing in Tallassee, AL is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is assured. The ease of use addresses any concerns related to privacy and security, making it a favorable choice for many seeking assurance in testing procedures.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Tallassee, AL, we pride ourselves on affordable pricing structures and rapid turnaround times. This combination provides exceptional value and peace of mind, accommodating companies of all sizes seeking efficient and cost-effective testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Tallassee, AL, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are truly remarkable. These tests are highly accurate, providing reliable detection of substance use across diverse scenarios. Their efficiency ensures results reach you swiftly, eliminating long wait times and providing clarity on the individual's substance use history swiftly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Tallassee, AL, employing hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks, enhances safety, and distinctly supports employer objectives. This contributes significantly to workplace peace and security, proving its worth in maintaining a harmonious environment.

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