Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can reveal usage of alcohol and drugs for up to a 3-month timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional screenings, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In absence of scalp hair, equivalent body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the sample's initial entry into a lab's system. This phase includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out an initial swift check specifically for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is economically viable for excluding drug use in the majority of cases, a positive result must be confirmed for legal credibility. Presumptive positives identified during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample come out presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other procedures (for example, urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guideline and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Belmont, GA, hair follicle drug testing surpasses urine testing, offering numerous advantages. Its superior detection capabilities and reliable outcomes make it ideal for detailed substance use analysis.
The extensive detection window of hair follicle testing gives employers in Belmont, GA, an advantage. It allows for the assessment of drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days.
Hair follicle tests in Belmont, GA, provide a method resistant to tampering. They significantly minimize the risk of sample manipulation, yielding unquestionable and reliable results.
With convenient locations in Belmont, GA, and nationwide, accessing our drug testing centers is straightforward. This accessibility makes the testing process seamless and stress-free.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Belmont, GA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. We prioritize client privacy and ease of use from ordering to results delivery.
In Belmont, GA, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, ensuring value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Hair follicle testing in Belmont, GA, stands out due to its rapid and precise results. It ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing reliable data for all involved parties.
Employers in Belmont, GA, gain compliance and reassurance by opting for hair follicle testing. It ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies and minimizes legal exposure.