Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands during growth. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a period extending to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately pencil thickness) from the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG and certain comprehensive tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest precise measurement on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, a proportional volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair signify scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory protocols for processing a drug test outcome comprise four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the foundational handling of a sample within a lab's framework. Tasks include verifying the appropriate sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not supply.
Screening acts as a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although it is a cost-effective method for eliminating potential drug use in most samples, any positive result from Screening necessitates further confirmation for legal validity. All samples that return a presumptive positive from Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are separated from the hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening especially challenging.
Confirmation of any positive outcome from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", these assessments evaluate the hair strands rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Valley Creek, AL, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities over traditional urine testing. By offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing becomes a crucial choice for organizations seeking thorough drug use insights.
Hair follicle tests allow a detection window that far exceeds that of urine tests, providing a more complete picture of an individual's drug use history. The superior detection period makes hair tests invaluable when long-term substance use monitoring is required.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Valley Creek, AL, provides employers with a comprehensive view of substance history up to 90 days prior. This elongated period ensures a thorough examination into an individual's drug use patterns.
Employers opting for hair testing gain a clear understanding of the applicant or employee's substance use, assisting in making more informed hiring or continuing employment decisions. This holistic historical view supports safer, substance-free workplace policies.
Valley Creek, AL's hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant drug screening option. The inherent design of hair sampling makes it exceptionally difficult to alter or adulterate, providing reliable, unquestionable results.
This robust testing method significantly reduces the chance of sample manipulation, giving employers and institutions trustworthy results required for strict compliance and safety standards. The reliability of hair testing minimizes risks of inaccurate drug use reporting.
In Valley Creek, AL, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to hair follicle testing with nationwide centers. Our extensive network ensures fast and hassle-free service, benefiting local communities.
Quick, easy access to reputable testing services means individuals and employers can trust the availability of hair follicle tests, receiving high-quality service without the burden of geographic limitations.
Valley Creek, AL residents appreciate the straightforward, confidential process for conducting hair follicle tests. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes privacy, ensuring a seamless experience from order to results.
Maintaining confidentiality is crucial, and our process reflects a dedication to privacy, providing ease of use and peace of mind for all clients seeking reliable drug test results without compromising personal data.
Valley Creek, AL benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, which deliver excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effective access to reliable drug testing.
Fast turnaround times support timely decision-making processes, vital for maintaining operational efficiency. Our service offers a balance of affordability and superior service quality, highly valued in the community.
Valley Creek, AL benefits from the precision of hair follicle drug tests, known for their fast, reliable results. These tests are lauded for their high accuracy levels in detecting substances, providing an efficient method for identifying drug use. The swift result generation of hair tests offers not only reassurance but timely insight into an individual's substance use history.
The quick turnaround time combined with reliable accuracy makes hair analysis an attractive option for Valley Creek employers seeking trustworthy test outcomes. Hair tests minimize doubt, ensuring results that reflect true substance use.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Valley Creek, AL ensures employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks. By implementing this testing method, employers foster a safe, productive work environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they adhere to mandated policies while enhancing safety. Hair tests support regulations, reducing liability concerns and highlighting a company's commitment to maintaining a responsible workforce.
