Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeline of nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary items, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If head hair isn't an option, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we talk about head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing into a lab’s system. This step checks if the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. Screening offers an economical means to exclude drug presence in most samples, yet a positive screen requires confirmation for court validity. Samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening need further confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug testing presents a significant challenge methodologically.
Any positive Screening outcome must be confirmed by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples get washed before the necessary confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is comprehensively reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests”, the test examines the strand of hair, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Weogufka, AL, outperforms urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability.
While traditional urine tests only cover recent drug use, hair tests offer a broader detection window, providing enhanced insight into individuals' histories.
In Weogufka, AL, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, offering insights into drug usage for up to 90 days.
This longevity supplies employers with a detailed view of substance use, making it an invaluable tool for assessing applicants and staff's history.
Hair follicle testing in Weogufka, AL, significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering.
The process offers reliable results, making it a trusted method to ensure the integrity of drug testing without concern for adulteration.
Our convenient nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Weogufka, AL, facilitate easy sample collection.
This ensures hassle-free and swift access to testing services, making hair follicle tests highly accessible for everyone.
In Weogufka, AL, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential.
With ease of ordering, taking, and receiving results, privacy and convenience are maintained throughout, ensuring user comfort and secure handling.
With competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing offers excellent value in Weogufka, AL.
This cost-effective solution is ideal for companies of all sizes, ensuring quick and reliable results without heavy financial burdens.
The high accuracy and rapid results of hair follicle drug testing are unparalleled in Weogufka, AL.
Hair tests boast precision in detecting substance use, ensuring fast and reliable data for employers and authorities alike.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Weogufka, AL, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free policies.
This method safeguards against legal concerns and boosts workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind and a secure environment.
