Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide up to a three-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. It's simple to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary procedure of integrating a sample into the laboratory system, which includes verifying that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any missing data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although it offers a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage for most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening exceptionally challenging to perform.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the scalp hair follicle.
In West Point, AL, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to its advanced detection capabilities. Accuracy and reliability are hallmarks of hair tests, offering a broader detection window that gives a more comprehensive history of substance use.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing minimizes the chance of manipulation and provides employers with the most authentic data regarding an individual's substance history.
West Point, AL relies on the extended detection period of hair follicle tests, which can trace substance use up to 90 days prior. This advantage provides employers with a detailed substance history for applicants or employees.
The long detection range enables organizations to assess potential risks accurately, ensuring safer and more informed hiring decisions by understanding past drug use.
In West Point, AL, hair follicle testing stands out for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This collection process ensures the integrity of results, which is nearly impossible to cheat.
Providing dependable outcomes, these tests add an extra layer of security, maintaining the trust and credibility required for stringent workplace drug policies.
Our extensive network of testing facilities nationwide, including West Point, AL, simplifies the drug testing process. Convenience is key; local testing centers ensure quick and hassle-free access for all testing needs.
The availability of numerous locations allows businesses and individuals to facilitate drug testing efficiently, underscoring our commitment to a seamless testing experience.
In West Point, AL, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to result retrieval, individuals and employers can count on us for a secure and user-friendly experience.
Emphasizing privacy, our testing protocols are tailored to streamline processes while safeguarding the confidentiality of each participant's information.
West Point, AL offers hair follicle testing with a focus on affordable pricing and rapid result turnover. These cost-effective solutions deliver significant value for organizations of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly access to comprehensive drug testing services.
Efficient processing at competitive rates underscores our pledge to providing great service while maintaining fiscal responsibility for our clients.
Located in West Point, AL, our hair follicle tests are known for their expedient and credible results. Precision and speed distinguish these tests, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance use, making them a top choice for employers and organizations.
This method stands out for its rapid delivery of outcomes without compromising on reliability, making it exceedingly effective in maintaining a drug-free workplace promptly.
By employing hair follicle testing in West Point, AL, employers benefit from assured compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests, with their thorough detection capabilities, reduce legal complications and enhance workplace safety overall.
The choice of hair testing assures organizations of maintaining peace of mind regarding employee compliance, contributing to a more secure and regulated work environment.
