Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bethlehem, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of around 3 months for alcohol and substances. Gathering hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch collection of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be scarce, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When speaking of head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the sample’s initial entry into the lab's system. This process confirms the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any other data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening undertakes a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be verified for it to be legally valid. Samples that yield presumptively positive results during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair in this phase at a much lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.

Any positive result from screening is validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests identify drug use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is very challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers historical insight: It traces a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent intake.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally incurs higher costs than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and individualized hair growth can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often named "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bethlehem, GA

When comparing hair follicle testing to more conventional urine tests in Bethlehem, GA, several advantages emerge. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. This enhanced capability allows for a more comprehensive analysis, offering employers and legal entities the assurance and precision they require in drug testing protocols.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bethlehem, GA

Hair follicle testing provides the opportunity to detect drug use over an extended period, reaching up to 90 days. This extensive detection window offers employers a detailed look into a candidate or employee’s substance use history, allowing for more informed decision-making and ensuring a safer workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bethlehem, GA

The hair follicle testing method is notably resistant to tampering. In Bethlehem, GA, this testing approach minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, delivering reliable and undeniable results. Employers can trust the authenticity of the test outcomes, ensuring compliance and integrity in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bethlehem, GA

Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures that individuals in Bethlehem, GA, have easy and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This convenience allows for quick and efficient testing procedures, making it simpler for individuals and businesses to fulfill their testing requirements without delays.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bethlehem, GA

The procedure for obtaining, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing in Bethlehem is both simple and confidential. This straightforward approach addresses privacy concerns and facilitates ease of use, ensuring that participants feel secure and informed throughout the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bethlehem, GA

The competitive pricing structures of hair follicle testing in Bethlehem, GA, alongside swift turnaround times, provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. This ensures organizations can benefit from top-quality testing services without incurring prohibitive costs, reinforcing both financial prudence and operational efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bethlehem, GA

Hair follicle drug tests in Bethlehem are renowned for their precision and speed. This method allows for highly accurate detection of drug use, offering results that are dependable and quick. The efficiency of this testing technique means results are not only fast but are consistently reliable, making hair follicle testing a preferred choice in many cases.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bethlehem, GA

Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers in Bethlehem to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method diminishes legal responsibilities and promotes a safer working environment, providing employers with peace of mind regarding their workforce’s adherence to health and safety regulations.

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