Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term archive for substances, capturing biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When cut near the scalp, hair offers a detection range of up to around three months for identifying drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
Taking a 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. In reference to head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into a laboratory's workflow. This step involves checking that a sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any requisite data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates drug usage in most samples at a lower cost, any positive results need confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are characterized as presumptively positive from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This step involves isolating drugs from hair in lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. Each phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformity with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair shaft and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over urine tests in Twin, AL. With their increased detection accuracy and reliability, they have become a preferred choice for many. Hair testing's ability to identify substance use with precision ensures stricter adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing errors and enhancing trust in the results.
The hair follicle test's extended detection window of up to 90 days in Twin, AL, offers profound insights into an individual's substance use history. This prolonged period allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of potential employees' drug habits, aiding in informed decision-making and promoting a safer work environment.
In Twin, AL, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is undeniable. By significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration, this method provides results that are both reliable and incontestably trustworthy, thereby securing the integrity of the testing process for all involved parties.
Across the nation and in Twin, AL, our testing centers guarantee convenience for all seeking hair follicle tests. These strategically positioned facilities ensure swift, uncomplicated access to testing services, eliminating stress and delays, thus meeting the varied needs of clients efficiently.
In Twin, AL, our hair follicle testing process remains simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns while ensuring a seamless and confidential experience for all users.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Twin, AL, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. Ensuring affordability without compromising quality, these tests promise rapid results, aligning with the varied budgetary needs of companies of all scales.
In Twin, AL, hair follicle drug testing stands out due to its exceptionally accurate and swift results. This method ensures precise detection of substance use, reaffirming its reliability in identifying drug ingestion over an extensive timeframe. The rapid processing time coupled with accuracy makes this method a preferred choice for many entities.
Employers in Twin, AL, experience peace of mind using hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, diminishes legal risks, and boosts workplace safety. The assurance of accurate results helps maintain a drug-free environment, fostering confidence and stability in the workplace.
