Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected adjacent to the scalp, hair can provide nearly a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. In context, head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing a presumptively positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is determined to be presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and maintains accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Woodville, AL, hair testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests by providing extended detection and superior reliability. Its accuracy in identifying long-term substance use sets it apart as a preferred option.
Extended Detection Window
In Woodville, AL, hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection period, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended timeframe offers employers a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history, ensuring informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Located in Woodville, AL, hair follicle tests are designed to curb sample manipulation, fostering undeniable results. The robust nature of hair testing minimizes the risk of adulterating or substituting samples, ensuring trustworthy data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With accessible sites in Woodville, AL, and nationwide, drug testing services are streamlined for convenience. Quick, fuss-free access is a guarantee with our multiple centers.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Woodville, AL, experience a seamless and private drug testing process. Our service ensures confidentiality from ordering to results, addressing both ease of use and privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Woodville, AL, competitive pricing paired with speedy results underscores our commitment to value. Catering to businesses of varying sizes, this ensures access to economical and efficient testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Woodville, AL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision, reliably identifying substance use. This method ensures timely results while maintaining high accuracy, making it an advantageous choice for those seeking dependable testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Woodville, AL, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing, ensuring they adhere to strict drug-free workplace policies. This testing aids in maintaining a secure and legally compliant environment, reducing potential areas of liability.
