Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Weston, AL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized for its efficacy in identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended timeline of drug and alcohol usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drug usage. Hair is uncomplicated to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for conducting screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair can’t be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key phases in processing a drug test result within a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This phase covers verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random laboratory accessioning number (LAN), and finalizing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary swift evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result during Screening indeed require further confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is used from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most demanding method to undertake.

Any positive screening result requires Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result go through cleaning before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated based on the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: It can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection times.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating is quite challenging, enhancing the test's reliability.
• Delivers usage history: It outlines drug use patterns over time, not merely recent activities.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Weston, AL outshines urine analysis by offering superior detection accuracy. While traditional urine tests might miss certain drug use, hair testing unveils prolonged drug habits, enhancing detection reliability. Employers and institutions find hair testing invaluable as it reveals patterns that urine tests may overlook, providing solid evidence of sustained substance usage.

Extended Detection Window

With hair follicle testing in Weston, AL, drug use is traced over an extended window of up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection span presents a broader view of substance habits compared to shorter-term methods. Employers gain robust insights into applicant or employee behavior, surpassing the limited temporal scope of urine tests and fostering informed decision-making in hiring or retention.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The security of hair follicle testing in Weston, AL ensures minimal risk of sample tampering. This method's design inherently prevents adulteration, delivering unwavering reliability. Unquestionable results foster trust and credibility, emphasizing the test's resistance to manipulation. This integrity makes hair tests a go-to solution for unaltered and genuine drug screening outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing makes accessing testing facilities in Weston, AL seamless through our extensive national network. Our centers provide simplicity in scheduling and testing services. The availability of local sites guarantees quick and convenient access, removing geographical barriers and facilitating hassle-free testing processes for individuals and businesses alike across various locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Weston, AL, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, prioritizing user privacy. From ordering to results retrieval, the process is designed for ease. The discreet handling of data assures users of the confidentiality of their information. Customers appreciate the transparent procedure, experiencing a seamless journey from initial contact to understanding their results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Employers in Weston, AL find value in our competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, complemented by rapid result delivery. Businesses enjoy cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality. With fast turnaround times and reasonable rates, our testing services provide excellent financial value, ensuring organizations remain budget-conscious while accessing reliable testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Weston, AL, hair follicle drug tests boast unparalleled accuracy and swiftness, ensuring precise substance detection. The method's reliability not only provides exact results but also enhances trust in the testing process. Fast processing times mean results are delivered quickly, aligning with the urgent needs of individuals and organizations. The high accuracy affirms the integrity of the testing, making it a preferred choice.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Weston, AL gain confidence with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By choosing this method, businesses mitigate legal risks associated with non-compliance. Hair testing bolsters operational safety and policy enforcement, offering peace of mind through dependable and consistent monitoring of substance use, crucial for maintaining a secure work environment.

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