Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair records a long-term profile of alcohol and drug consumption through the encapsulation of biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair fiber. When sampled near the scalp, it offers a detection window of roughly up to three months for figuring out alcohol and other drug use. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and efficient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), nearest the scalp offers 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for testing and verification. For EtG tests, additional tests, and/or more extensive panels exceeding 10 types, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. In the context of hair testing, "head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process is comprised of four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In the Accessioning phase, a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This includes checking that the sample was securely sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that is not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase is an initial rapid examination for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug presence in most samples, any positive result must be verified to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening procedures.
Confirmation for any positive findings from the screening stage employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure inspects the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Baldwin, GA
Hair testing offers superior detection compared to traditional urine tests, with a longer detection window and less room for manipulation. This method affords more accurate and consistent results, helping to maintain safety and integrity.
Extended Detection Window in Baldwin, GA
The hair follicle test provides a substantial advantage through its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers a thorough overview of an individual's substance use history, giving a clearer picture of their lifestyle choices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Baldwin, GA
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-proof solution, significantly reducing the risk of sample manipulation. This ensures testing results are trustworthy and leaves little room for doubt or error.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Baldwin, GA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide offers convenient and accessible testing services. Whether you're local to Baldwin or at a distance, quick and efficient testing is within easy reach.
Simple, Confidential Process in Baldwin, GA
Our testing process is not only simple but also confidential, ensuring a stress-free experience for users worried about privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is seamless and discreet.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Baldwin, GA
Our competitive pricing and rapid completion times offer outstanding value, catering to organizations of any scale with cost-effective and prompt services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Baldwin, GA
Hair follicle drug tests deliver precise results swiftly, ensuring high accuracy in substance detection. These tests stand out for their reliability, providing employers and legal authorities with dependable data regarding substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Baldwin, GA
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing as it guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This minimizes legal liabilities and elevates the overall safety and reliability of a work environment.
