Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed record of drugs and alcohol over an extended period by encapsulating biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a three-month retrospective detection capability for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or any analyses exceeding 10 panels, a sample mass of 150mg is advised. We suggest that the specimen be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test result laboratory processing encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in processing a sample into a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and executing any ancillary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is the preliminary rapid analysis for drug abuse substances. Screening serves as a cost-effective technique to exclude drug use in many samples, but any positive screen must be corroborated for court acceptance. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations when compared to other methods like urine or saliva analysis, making hair drug screening notably challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Presumptive positive samples undergo appropriate washing before confirmation. The entire procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is assessed according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to often as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine screening, it's evident that hair tests offer superior detection accuracy. In Thorsby, AL, many sectors recognize that while urine tests are limited to recent drug use detection, hair analysis reveals a broader history. This extended detection window of up to 90 days provides a more reliable assessment of substance use.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. In Thorsby, AL, hair tests can uncover drug use from as far back as 90 days. This long-term view offers employers a comprehensive understanding of a candidate's or employee's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making about workplace safety and compliance.
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of tampering, setting it apart as a trustworthy option in Thorsby, AL. The process is straightforward, collected under observation, thereby practically eliminating the possibility of adulteration or deception. This method ensures that the results are reliable and indisputable.
Our extensive network of testing centers, covering both nationwide and local locations in Thorsby, AL, ensures that access to hair follicle testing is both convenient and hassle-free. The ease of reaching a nearby testing facility means that drug screenings are performed without delay, facilitating swift and efficient processes.
The hair follicle testing process in Thorsby, AL is designed to be simple and confidential. From scheduling to taking the test and receiving results, each step prioritizes user privacy and convenience. This ensures not only peace of mind for individuals but also upholds the integrity of the testing process.
In Thorsby, AL, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced to offer excellent value. Alongside cost-efficiency, we guarantee fast turnaround times. These advantages combine to provide companies, regardless of size, with effective solutions for maintaining drug-free workplaces without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and accuracy. In Thorsby, AL, these tests provide not just fast results, but also a high level of precision in detecting substance use. With their detailed analysis, they secure the trust of employers and legal entities, affirming their reliability in maintaining a drug-free environment.
In Thorsby, AL, utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies effortlessly. By reducing potential legal liabilities and promoting workplace security, this testing method brings peace of mind. It ensures a safer working environment and aligns with regulatory requirements seamlessly.
