Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands serve as a historical archive for alcohol and drug usage by encasing biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, has low susceptibility to tampering, and can be easily transported.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When addressing head hair, it is specifically scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core components of the laboratory procedure for drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary integration of a specimen into a lab's system. This process checks that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any extra data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is economically efficient for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples presumed positive during Screening require a further confirmation step.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
To verify any positive screening findings, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a washing process before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Town Creek, AL. Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and proven reliability over traditional urine methods. The benefit of a hair test includes its ability to identify drug use over a longer period, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Town Creek, AL is a key advantage of hair follicle testing. It can detect drug use up to 90 days, providing employers a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history. This extended timeframe aids in assessing the long-term habits of employees or applicants.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Town Creek, AL significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration. The robust nature of hair follicle tests ensures that results are reliable and incontrovertible, making them a trusted method for organizations and individuals seeking undeniable test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Town Creek, AL ensure quick, easy access to testing services. With a widespread network of centers, Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access to quality testing, catering to clients in any location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Town Creek, AL is guaranteed when ordering, conducting, and receiving results for hair tests. This streamlined approach respects privacy and simplifies the steps, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality and process ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Town Creek, AL envelop Accredited Drug Testing's offerings. With competitive pricing and swift delivery of results, we provide exceptional value, ensuring businesses of varied sizes gain peace of mind and quality service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Town Creek, AL are ensured with hair follicle drug tests. These tests provide efficient and precise outcomes due to their high accuracy in detecting drugs. Quick processing times complement their reliability, making them an ideal solution for employers requiring timely and trustworthy results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Town Creek, AL can be achieved through the use of hair follicle testing. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, employers mitigate legal risks and promote a safer working environment, fostering peace of mind.
