Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. The hair provides a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is cut closely to the scalp, it can present up to a roughly 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately matching the girth of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal specimen size for screening and confirmation. For additional EtG, more extensive panels, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test results encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This step verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid initial check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in most specimens, any positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in court. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from the hair, albeit at much lower concentrations than achievable via other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is carried out using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as necessary. The laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bainbridge, GA
The superior reliability of hair testing over urine tests is evident in its detection accuracy. When it comes to providing a longer review of substance use history, hair tests stand out, delivering enhanced results against traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window in Bainbridge, GA
The advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to identify drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extensive period gives employers comprehensive information about an employee's or applicant's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bainbridge, GA
One primary benefit of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. The method significantly minimizes the chances of sample manipulation, making it a reliable approach for ensuring result integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bainbridge, GA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including those in Bainbridge, GA, provides convenient access for seamless and efficient test conduction.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bainbridge, GA
Our straightforward and private testing procedure ensures ease of use and confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns while giving reliable results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bainbridge, GA
Our competitive pricing framework, along with prompt result delivery, offers value and peace of mind to organizations of all sizes, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bainbridge, GA
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and exact determinations of substance use, renowned for their high accuracy. They provide a thorough picture of an individual's drug-related behaviors, making them a trusted choice for quick and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bainbridge, GA
Utilizing hair follicle tests aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace mandates. This practice mitigates legal concerns while promoting a secure and drug-free work environment.
