Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a highly effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers an extended historical record of substance use. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and various drugs. The simplicity of hair collection, its resistance to tampering, and its ease of transport make it an ideal choice.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it is specifically the scalp hair being referred to. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result's laboratory processing encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's initial integration into the lab’s system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any requisite data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is a preliminary, swift evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use across most samples, its positive results must be substantiated for court acceptance. Presumptive positive findings from Screening require additional confirmation.
Upon finding a sample presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug tests the most challenging to administer.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples preliminarily marked positive undergo washing as needed. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests," the evaluation scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mobile, AL
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Primarily, it provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, with the ability to identify substance use over an extended period. Additionally, it eliminates attempts to cheat tests with its meticulous sample collection methods, ensuring trustworthy results.
In Mobile, AL, employers and legal entities appreciate the comprehensive view hair tests provide. Compared to urine tests, which only capture recent usage, hair tests reveal a history spanning months. This extended overview is invaluable for maintaining workplace integrity and complying with regulatory standards.
Extended Detection Window in Mobile, AL
Hair follicle testing allows for an extended detection window, tracing drug use up to 90 days. This gives employers in Mobile, AL a broader understanding of an employee's or candidate's substance use history. Such insights are crucial for thorough background checks and contribute to informed hiring decisions.
Unlike urine tests that only detect recent drug usage, hair tests provide a deeper look into an individual's habits. This far-reaching perspective is pivotal for companies aiming to maintain a drug-free environment and bolsters confidence in personnel screening processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mobile, AL
Hair follicle drug tests significantly curb the potential for result manipulation. The nature of this testing makes it exceptionally difficult for individuals to tamper with samples, ensuring authenticity and reliability. This is critical for maintaining trust in drug screening procedures within Mobile, AL.
Employers benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing the results are genuine and free from tampering. This solidifies hair testing as a superior choice over more easily compromised methods, establishing a baseline of integrity in occupational drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mobile, AL
Our expansive network of testing centers ensures convenient access in Mobile, AL, and locations across the nation. This accessibility makes it easy for clients to find testing options nearby, streamlining the process and reducing logistical challenges.
By offering testing services at both local and national levels, Accredited Drug Testing provides unparalleled convenience. This allows swift service delivery, accommodating the diverse needs of individuals and organizations alike, ensuring a hassle-free testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mobile, AL
Our testing procedures are designed to be straightforward and respect privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the process is seamlessly integrated, ensuring confidentiality. Clients in Mobile, AL can rely on our services without concerns about privacy breaches or procedural complexities.
We emphasize discreet handling of client information, maintaining a commitment to confidentiality. This reassures individuals and organizations that their data is secure, encouraging trust and continuous use of our efficient testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mobile, AL
We offer competitively priced hair follicle testing services in Mobile, AL, ensuring cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes. Our efficient processing also delivers swift turnaround times, reinforcing excellent value propositions for our clients.
Balanced pricing structures and rapid results make our services appealing to a broad range of clients. This affordable yet high-quality offering enables organizations to maintain consistent and reliable testing routines without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mobile, AL
The efficiency of hair follicle testing ensures rapid and precise results. It is well-known for its high accuracy in detecting drug use. This method excels in providing dependable data, crucial for decision-making in workplaces and legal settings. The swift processing time guarantees that organizations in Mobile, AL stay informed promptly.
Hair testing not only detects a broader range of substances, it does so with remarkable speed. Companies and individuals alike benefit from rapid turnaround times, all while maintaining high accuracy standards. This level of precision is unmatched, making it a top choice for those requiring trustworthy results quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mobile, AL
Adopting hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, ensuring compliance and minimizing legal risks. For employers in Mobile, AL, utilizing this method reinforces a commitment to safety, enhancing their reputation and contributing to a secure working environment.
Implementing reliable drug testing methods supports organizational integrity and employee well-being. Hair testing strengthens compliance frameworks, offering employers peace of mind in adhering to regulatory standards and making informed workforce management decisions.
