Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By embedding biomarkers within the strands, hair provides a comprehensive snapshot of usage over time. When sourced from near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for a period of up to three months. It is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp will yield 100mg, making it the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. If conducting tests that include EtG, add-ons, or that exceed 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair specifically, we refer to scalp hair exclusively. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In the Accessioning phase, the sample undergoes its initial processing within the lab’s system. This process includes confirming that it was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data input required beyond what an electronic chain of custody systems provides.
The Screening step offers a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective way to rule out the majority of samples, any positive results must undergo further confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For specimens with presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a lower concentration when compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair-based drug screenings.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although these are sometimes referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the skin.
Why Choose Hair Over Urine Tests? in Vestavia Hills, AL. Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests with its broader detection capabilities and unmatched accuracy, offering a superior overview of a person's substance use history.
Discovery Beyond Limits is achievable with hair testing. It eliminates common pitfalls of urine tests, like limited detection windows and manipulation, thus providing a more extensive and reliable screening.
Understanding Extended Detection in Vestavia Hills, AL. Hair follicle testing shines with its ability to trace drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive review of an individual's substance use.
Deeper Insights are possible with extensive detection timelines. Employers benefit from this technique when examining applicants or employees, ensuring informed decisions based on complete substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Assurance in Vestavia Hills, AL. Hair follicle tests greatly curb the risk of sample tampering, ensuring a reliable and authentic testing process that stands against manipulation attempts.
Unquestionable Integrity is vital for reliable results. Our method minimizes the possibility of adulteration, bolstering confidence in the test's accuracy and trustworthiness for sensitive evaluations.
Accessible Testing Solutions in Vestavia Hills, AL. Our conveniently located centers nationwide eliminate the hassle of accessing testing services, ensuring a simple and prompt experience for clients.
Local Convenience stands out with our presence in Vestavia Hills. We prioritize ease and efficiency, ensuring testing services are always within reach, catering seamlessly to community needs.
Effortless and Private in Vestavia Hills, AL. Experience a smoothly managed, confidential process for organizing, undergoing, and obtaining test results, prioritizing privacy and user comfort.
Simplicity at Every Step defines our service. Ensure a stress-free experience from start to finish, where ease and confidentiality build trust and reliability in substance testing.
Value and Rapid Service in Vestavia Hills, AL. Enjoy competitive pricing combined with fast turnaround times, providing exceptional value and reassurance for businesses of any size.
Cost-Efficient Solutions ensure accessibility and prompt results. Our pricing structures and rapid processing are designed to meet varied company needs effectively and affordably.
Swift, Precise Analysis in Vestavia Hills, AL. Experience rapid, detailed assessments with hair follicle drug testing. This method's remarkable precision ensures exceptionally accurate substance use detection, providing results you can fully trust.
Reliable Outcomes are crucial in substance testing. Our hair analysis in Vestavia Hills offers thorough, dependable evaluations with fast results, setting a new standard in drug testing accuracy.
Workplace Compliance Made Easy in Vestavia Hills, AL. Adopting hair follicle testing aligns with stringent drug-free policies, effectively mitigating legal risks and promoting safer work environments.
Employer Peace of Mind is achieved through thorough testing. This process assures compliance, maintains safety, and fosters trust, protecting businesses and their workforce from potential liabilities.
