Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method to identify the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a long-lasting record of alcohol and drug presence by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to about a 3-month detection period for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we're specifically talking about scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in a laboratory drug test process include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's system. This phase entails confirming the sample was preserved and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing other data requirements absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening signifies an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that test positive in Screening demand secondary confirmation.
When a sample is positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than seen in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is immensely challenging.
Confirming any Screening-positive outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes a wash before confirmation if necessary. The entire workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and in conformity with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Oftentimes known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
For those in Tensaw, AL, hair follicle tests have numerous advantages when compared to traditional urine tests. They have superior detection accuracy and reliability, making them a preferred choice. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a more comprehensive view of substance usage.
In Tensaw, AL, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history, making it an invaluable tool for comprehensive assessment.
Hair follicle tests in Tensaw, AL, are known for being a tamper-resistant testing method. This significantly reduces the risk of sample alteration, ensuring that results are reliable and unquestionable, offering confidence to all involved parties.
With convenient nationwide testing sites, including locations in Tensaw, AL, accessing our services is simple. This ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free testing, guaranteeing that professional testing services are never far from reach.
Residents in Tensaw, AL, benefit from a simple, confidential process when engaging in hair follicle testing. From ordering to receiving results, the process is convenient and maintains privacy, addressing common concerns effectively.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Tensaw, AL, our services provide great value. Competitive prices coupled with speedy results ensure satisfaction and peace of mind for businesses of every size.
In Tensaw, AL, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. With speed and precision, these tests are unmatched in detecting substance use. Their high accuracy ensures that results are both dependable and quick.
In Tensaw, AL, hair follicle testing aids compliance and peace of mind for employers. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, it minimizes legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, proving invaluable for employers striving for a secure environment.
