Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of hair that is growing, hair records an extended history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, it can indicate a detection span of roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and effortless to send.
A snippet of 1.5-inch hair consisting of about 200 strands (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional tests, and/or those assessing more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It’s advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar bulk of body hair might be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it solely refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes every other kind (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any data entry tasks not automated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary swift inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive finding must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample is deemed positive during the Screening stage, more hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair in a significantly diluted concentration than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence, hair drug screening is the most challenging to perform.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected positive are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes reviews under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests in Westoak, GA by offering extended detection and accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses detect substance usage over a longer duration.
The hair follicle testing method in Westoak, GA is renowned for its extensive detection period, capturing up to 90 days of drug use evidence. This long window allows employers to glean comprehensive insights into an individual’s drug history.
Employers in Westoak, GA find the hair follicle test advantageous due to its tamper-resistant nature. Sample adulteration is significantly minimized, leading to reliable results
Our expansive network of testing centers, including Westoak, GA, assures easy access to quick and seamless testing services. Nationwide facilities grant convenience, catering to various locations.
In Westoak, GA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, from ordering to result retrieval. Privacy concerns are addressed effectively.
Our competitive pricing paired with a quick turnaround in Westoak, GA makes hair follicle tests an economically sensible option. Businesses benefit from value without sacrificing quality.
In Westoak, GA, hair follicle tests stand out for their swift, accurate results. They boast exceptional precision, swiftly identifying substance use compared to other methods.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Westoak, GA brings compliance and tranquility for employers seeking drug-free workplace policies. Implementing these tests lessens legal vulnerabilities, supporting company reputations.
