Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a robust tool for detecting substance use, hair testing utilizes growing hair fibers to trap biomarkers, offering a historical record of alcohol and drug use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month history for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those over ten panels, 150mg of hair is advisable, best measured using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be collected, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
In lab processing of drug test results, four major steps occur: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is introduced into the lab's system, which involves checking the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a Lab Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic custody chain.
Screening offers a swift preliminary check for substance abuse. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive necessitate further confirmation.
If the Screening phase yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is gathered from the original sample for Extraction, extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or saliva), making it the most challenging form of drug screening of hair.
Confirmation of positive screens is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair badge and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Woodstock, AL
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy, making it the better choice in Woodstock, AL. With its ability to identify substance use over an extended period and its reliable results, hair testing stands out as a more dependable method than urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Woodstock, AL
Hair follicle testing offers the advantage of detecting drug use over a period of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view into an individual’s substance history. This extensive detection window is incredibly useful for Woodstock, AL employers who need thorough insight into an applicant or employee’s past drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Woodstock, AL
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of adulteration, offering a tamper-resistant method that delivers trustworthy results. In Woodstock, AL, this advantage ensures that the integrity of test results remains uncompromised, offering peace of mind to all parties involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Woodstock, AL
With a vast network of testing centers nationwide, accessing testing services is quick and uncomplicated, particularly in Woodstock, AL. Our convenient locations ensure you undergo testing with ease, limiting disruptions and saving valuable time.
Simple, Confidential Process in Woodstock, AL
The ease of the hair testing process in Woodstock, AL ensures confidentiality from ordering to result delivery. This straightforward procedure safeguards privacy, addressing any concerns you may have about maintaining discretion throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Woodstock, AL
Our competitive pricing structure and fast turnaround times in Woodstock, AL deliver exceptional value for companies seeking reliable testing services. This approach ensures firms of all sizes benefit from impressive results without the financial strain.
Fast and Accurate Results in Woodstock, AL
Hair follicle testing provides swift and precise results, making it an ideal choice for those who need reliable substance detection. In Woodstock, AL, the efficiency of hair testing ensures you get accurate assessments of substance use quickly, supporting both employers and individuals in making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Woodstock, AL
Employing hair follicle testing helps ensure that employers in Woodstock, AL adhere to workplace drug-free policies. This compliance not only reduces potential legal liabilities but also enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind to businesses.
