Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal evidence of alcohol and other drugs for up to roughly three months. Hair samples are easy to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a standard #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an ideal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other variations (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage from the majority of samples, the validity of a positive result requires confirmation for legal proceedings. All samples that yield preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underlying the complexity of executing hair drug screening methodologies.
Verification of any positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Windham Springs, AL, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine testing regarding detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests have an edge due to their ability to reveal a history of drug use over a longer period. While urine tests are more effective for recent use, the precision of hair tests ensures a more comprehensive view, which is why they are favored by employers and legal systems.
Hair follicle testing in Windham Springs, AL, extends the detection window for drugs up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough insight into an employee's substance history. This longer span captures a detailed picture of an applicant's drug use, providing a valuable resource for decision-making in hiring and management practices. Traditional urine tests can't match this extensive timeframe.
Windham Springs, AL, trusts hair follicle tests for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing risks of sample adulteration. This testing method guarantees reliable and incontestable results, ensuring that the outcomes are accurate. Employers and institutions prefer this type of testing due to its robustness and the definitive results it consistently provides.
Windham Springs, AL, benefits from convenient testing locations nationwide, facilitating quick and effortless access to hair follicle drug testing services. Our centers are positioned to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process for all clients, delivering the convenience and efficiency demanded by today's fast-paced world.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Windham Springs, AL, is straightforward and confidential. From order to results, the procedure is designed to ensure client privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns about confidentiality and accessibility, making the testing experience seamless and worry-free for all involved.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, Windham Springs, AL, enjoys affordable hair follicle drug testing services. Offering excellent value, our services cater to companies of every size, ensuring swift and accurate results, which provides peace of mind without breaking the bank for any organization.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Windham Springs, AL. These tests are praised for their precision and speed, capable of detecting substance use with unparalleled accuracy. Employers and individuals benefit from quick processing times, providing results that are both dependable and swift, ensuring that drug use is identified accurately and promptly.
Employers in Windham Springs, AL, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method lessens legal risks while boosting workplace safety, offering a key advantage to businesses as they maintain a secure and productive environment for all employees.
