Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its developing strands. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and certain drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for screening and verification. For EtG, supplements, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key procedures in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into the lab’s system initially. This process verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any leftover data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to mostly eliminate drug usage across samples, any positive result in Screening must be verified to be legally admissible. Samples that are provisionally positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction, where drugs are retrieved at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate to perform.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle tests with urine tests in Wills Valley, AL highlights why hair testing is superior. One significant advantage is its superior detection accuracy, offering results that are more difficult to dispute.
The reliability of hair testing outshines traditional methods by covering a longer detection period, thus giving a more comprehensive profile of drug use.
While urine tests serve well for recent substance use, hair tests stand apart by identifying long-term usage patterns crucial for employers.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Wills Valley, AL is its extended detection window. This testing method covers a period of up to 90 days, providing a long-range view of substance usage.
For employers, this means access to a detailed substance history of applicants or employees, enabling informed hiring and retention decisions.
This long-term detection capacity makes hair testing an invaluable tool for organizations committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
The hair follicle testing method in Wills Valley, AL excels as a tamper-resistant testing method. Its design inherently minimizes the risk of sample adulteration.
Since samples are collected in a supervised manner, the integrity of the test is maintained, ensuring the results are both reliable and unquestionable.
This robustness provides organizations and individuals peace of mind, knowing the findings stand up to scrutiny against tampering attempts.
With our convenient nationwide testing locations, including Wills Valley, AL, access to hair follicle testing is easily achievable. We ensure a seamless and hassle-free testing experience.
The extensive network of facilities allows individuals and companies to access testing services promptly, minimizing logistical challenges.
Our commitment is to provide smooth and quick access to testing, ensuring needs are met efficiently wherever you are.
In Wills Valley, AL, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. The procedure from ordering to receiving results prioritizes user privacy and simplicity.
Our system ensures that each step is user-friendly, reducing any potential stress or confusion involved in the testing process.
Confidential handling of information is paramount, as we strive to build trust and comfort with each client using our service.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Wills Valley, AL deliver great value for businesses of all sizes.
Cost-effectiveness coupled with rapid result delivery ensures that clients receive excellent service without budget overruns.
Our pricing structure is designed to meet diverse needs, reinforcing peace of mind by balancing cost and efficiency.
In Wills Valley, AL, hair follicle drug tests promise fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are known for their precision, quickly identifying substance use with a high degree of accuracy.
The efficiency of hair testing translates into rapid turnaround times. Users are assured of timely results, enhancing decision-making processes.
With its meticulous analytical processes, hair testing provides dependable outcomes, reinforcing its reputation as a leading method in drug detection.
Employers in Wills Valley, AL gain compliance and peace of mind by using hair follicle tests. This testing approach aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing the risk of legal implications.
Additionally, fostering a safer work environment is crucial, and hair testing is a reliable tool in achieving this goal by accurately identifying substance use.
Implementing hair testing fortifies a company's stance on safety and legality, enhancing its overall corporate responsibility.
