Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by encasing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal phases involved in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step includes verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not present in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be permissible in court. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often known as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle below the scalp
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Alamo, GA. Its superior detection accuracy ensures reliable results, significantly reducing false positives or negatives. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to detecting recent use, hair tests reveal a more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance history, making them an excellent choice for those requiring thorough drug use analysis.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Alamo, GA, provides employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance use history. Unlike shorter-term methods, such as urine tests, hair testing captures a wider substance history. This comprehensive approach assists employers in assessing the long-term behavior of applicants or current employees, contributing to a safer workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Alamo, GA, is lauded for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This method delivers reliable, unquestionable outcomes, ensuring confidence in the results. The observed collection process further ensures integrity, making it a trustworthy choice for accurate drug testing.
In Alamo, GA, our extensive network of convenient nationwide testing centers ensures easy access to hair follicle testing services. Local centers provide hassle-free, quick testing experiences for individuals and organizations alike. By offering widespread availability, we prioritize accessibility and convenience for our valued clients.
The hair follicle testing process in Alamo, GA, is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, the streamlined process addresses privacy concerns while offering a user-friendly experience. Clients can rest assured, knowing they receive their test results securely and discreetly.
In Alamo, GA, our hair follicle testing services boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. We offer competitive pricing structures that provide excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes. The prompt delivery of accurate, reliable results guarantees peace of mind for clients, making us a popular choice in drug testing services in the area.
The growing preference for hair follicle drug tests in Alamo, GA, stems from their speed and precision. These tests provide fast, accurate insights into substance use, making them indispensable for organizations seeking reliable results. The high accuracy of hair testing ensures that employers can trust the findings, enabling informed decisions in hiring and workforce management with confidence.
Employers in Alamo, GA, gain peace of mind by adopting hair follicle testing, as it enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety through its comprehensive detection capabilities. By choosing hair tests, employers demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
