Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, thus offering an extended timeline of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair can give a detection period for alcohol and drugs up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches long, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We endorse weighing the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. Head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the introductory process of a sample entering a lab’s system. It consists of confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, attaching a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples that indicate a positive result in Screening require subsequent validation.
In the event of a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Validation of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a wash prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In the realm of drug testing in Woodland, AL, hair follicle tests hold distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Their accuracy in capturing substance use history is superior, with results that are almost tamper-proof. Hair tests provide a broader detection window, capturing drug use insights extending up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer only a narrow detection timeframe.
The reliability and accuracy afforded by hair tests make them the preferred choice for rigorous screening processes, especially when long-term substance analysis is necessary.
Employers in Woodland, AL, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. By capturing up to 90 days of drug use history, employers gain a comprehensive look into an individual’s substance habits. This extended analysis supports informed hiring and monitoring, with a detailed view of potential long-term substance use.
This wide detection scope allows companies to ensure safety and compliance while evaluating an employee’s or applicant’s suitability for high-responsibility roles.
Hair follicle testing is a favored method in Woodland, AL, due to its high resistance to tampering. The nature of hair testing makes it incredibly difficult to alter, ensuring that the sample integrity is maintained. This method substantially minimizes the risk of adulteration, providing trustworthy and verifiable results.
The ability to maintain sample integrity translates into a stronger assurance of accuracy, enhancing the credibility of the drug testing process for employers and legal bodies.
The availability of hair follicle testing in Woodland, AL, coupled with our nationwide network of testing centers, ensures unmatched convenience. Our facilities offer accessibility and ease of use, minimizing logistical hurdles related to drug testing. This widespread network ensures that testing services are never far away, facilitating quick and easy access for individuals and organizations alike.
Such convenient access to testing services streamlines the process, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness for all users.
At Accredited Drug Testing in Woodland, AL, the process of hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. Ordering tests and receiving results is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and ease of process. From test ordering to result retrieval, every step prioritizes user confidentiality and seamless experience.
This ensures that individuals and companies can manage their testing needs without compromising on privacy or convenience.
In Woodland, AL, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced while ensuring fast turnaround times. Companies, regardless of size, find our pricing structures provide excellent value without sacrificing result quality or speed. Our affordable options make drug testing accessible to all, with rapid results that support timely decision-making.
These benefits contribute to a superior overall value, supporting businesses in managing substance use compliance effectively within budget constraints.
In Woodland, AL, hair follicle testing is revered for its swift and precise outcomes. Its exceptional accuracy in recognizing substance use makes it a preferred choice for employers and authorities. The results are not only reliable but also delivered promptly, allowing organizations to make informed decisions without delay.
This testing approach integrates thorough analysis with rapid reporting, ensuring that results are both dependable and quickly accessible. Hence, hair follicle testing stands out as an efficient mechanism in substance detection protocols.
In Woodland, AL, implementing hair follicle testing ensures companies adhere to drug-free workplace policies effectively. The reliability of this testing method reduces legal vulnerabilities, bolstering compliance efforts and workplace safety. By embracing this methodology, businesses cultivate a safer, healthier work environment.
Consequently, organizations experience enhanced peace of mind, knowing their workforce complies with established substance use regulations, reducing potential for policy breaches and legal challenges.
