Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying substance intake. Hair archives long-term alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the strands’ fibers as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug exposure for nearly a 3-month period. The sampling of hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy for mailing.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (minimal equivalent of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp delivers 100mg of hair—optimal for both testing and verification. For tests like EtG, or those beyond 10 panels, a suggested 150mg of sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unattainable, a proportionate amount of body hair is suitable. Head hair explicitly denotes scalp hair, while body hair includes other types (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Summary
The four vital procedures within the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's initial input into a lab’s system. This step checks that samples are appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any missing data entry if not utilized by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening offers a prompt initial drug abuse assessment. Despite being budget-friendly for negating drug presence in most samples, a screen yielding positive must undergo confirmation to be court-viable. Presumptive positive findings from Screening require validation.
Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate additional hair extraction from the first specimen for the Extraction process. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug analysis notably challenging.
Confirmation follows any positive screening via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed preceding confirmation as needed. The whole range from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the standards of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Hair Drug Testing Advantages:
Drawbacks:
Caution: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the scalp's follicle.
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in Wellington, AL. Its superior detection accuracy is unmatched, identifying substance use that urine tests might miss. While urine tests are limited to recent use, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview, making them exceptionally reliable for employers committed to maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace.
In Wellington, AL, hair follicle tests provide an extensive detection window, capable of tracing drug use up to 90 days back. This extended period allows employers a broader perspective of an individual's substance history, surpassing the capabilities of traditional drug tests. Such comprehensive monitoring is invaluable for making informed employment decisions and upholding workplace safety standards.
Wellington, AL benefits immensely from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. This method significantly minimizes the chance of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy and unchallengeable outcomes. Employers and legal entities alike can have confidence in the authenticity and integrity of the results, promoting an atmosphere of accountability and precision in drug testing practices.
Wellington, AL residents enjoy the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network of centers. With numerous locations nationwide, accessing reliable testing services is both quick and straightforward. This ease of access ensures that individuals and businesses alike experience minimal hassle in obtaining the necessary testing, streamlining the process significantly for all parties involved.
In Wellington, AL, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From order to result, it prioritizes ease and privacy, addressing any concerns about data protection. This straightforward approach ensures individuals can undertake the testing process with confidence, knowing their personal information remains secure, and the entire procedure is handled with the utmost discretion.
Competitive pricing coupled with swift turnaround times marks hair follicle testing in Wellington, AL as both affordable and efficient. This pricing structure provides impressive value, making high-quality drug testing accessible to businesses of all sizes. Employers benefit from rapid result delivery, ensuring they can make timely decisions without compromising on quality or financial resources.
In Wellington, AL, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their swift and precise results. These tests excel in identifying substance use with remarkable accuracy, reflecting a substantial advancement in drug testing methodologies. The speed at which these results are delivered further encapsulates the efficacy and reliability that employers rely on to maintain a drug-free environment.
Employers in Wellington, AL, seeking compliance and tranquility, turn to hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liability and enhancing safety. By employing hair testing, employers can confidently affirm their commitment to a safe, productive environment, contributing to a workplace free from the distractions and risks associated with substance abuse.
