Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate up to a three-month period of alcohol and drug presence. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily shipped.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hairs (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is inaccessible, the same amount of body hair can be obtained. Reference to head hair implies only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage in most samples, court-admissible positive screens require confirmation. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the testing procedure analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Tests Over Urine Tests? In Alvaton, GA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection capabilities, providing a wider window for uncovering drug use. The accuracy of hair test results delivers a reliable indication of a person’s substance habits and has proven to be a preferred choice for many organizations seeking thorough screenings.
Extended Detection Window of Hair Tests Hair follicle tests capture a broad window of drug usage history, spanning up to 90 days, offering an exhaustive glimpse into an applicant or employee’s substance use patterns. This extended detection period empowers employers in Alvaton, GA, to grasp a more complete and honest view of their workforce’s behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Assurance Alvaton, GA’s hair follicle tests minimize the potential for sample tampering, granting unwavering and credible results. The difficulty in compromising a hair sample makes it a trustworthy assessment tool for employers seeking to uphold integrity in their screening processes.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of numerous testing centers nationwide, including local availability in Alvaton, GA. This widespread network facilitates rapid, effortless access to dependable testing services, enhancing service efficiency for all clients.
Streamlined, Confidential Testing Process In Alvaton, GA, our process for ordering, completing, and obtaining hair test results merges simplicity with confidentiality. This ensures users’ privacy concerns are addressed effectively, with streamlined steps to ease the overall experience and maintain discretion.
Affordable Pricing with Swift Results Alvaton, GA, benefits from our competitive pricing and fast result delivery. Businesses of all sizes can experience excellent value, enhancing peace of mind while maintaining budget considerations balanced with efficient service turnaround times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Hair Testing In Alvaton, GA, hair follicle tests are renowned for their precision and speed in revealing substance consumption. The method's high reliability ensures that outcomes are trustworthy, aiding organizations significantly in maintaining informed employment decisions with quick and accurate results as a standard.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind By adopting hair follicle testing, employers in Alvaton, GA, solidify compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal concerns and boosting safety. This strategic choice aligns with maintaining rigorous safety standards and legal adherence for company operations.
