Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 90-day detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of roughly 200 strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, add-ons, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" refers to other types including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The principal stages in the lab handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is logged into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any additional data entry is completed if absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a primary rapid assessment for drug presence. While Screening is a budget-friendly strategy to exclude drug use in most samples, a screen yielding positive results must be confirmed before being court-admissible. Any specimens indicating potential drug presence in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening suggests drug presence, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to administer.
Confirmation of any screening positive is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Bowman, GA professionals recognize the clear advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Spotting long-term substance use with hair samples is often more reliable, providing employers with a detailed history beyond the limitations of urine tests.
The extended detection window of hair follicle drug tests in Bowman, GA offers significant benefits. By covering up to 90 days, these tests give employers a comprehensive view of a person's substance history, making them a valuable tool in assessing long-term drug use.
The hair follicle testing method used in Bowman, GA dramatically reduces sample adulteration risks. This tamper-resistant process ensures unquestionable and reliable results, offering peace of mind for both employers and individuals seeking genuine assessments.
Convenience is a key feature of hair follicle testing in Bowman, GA. With numerous local and nationwide centers, accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free, providing ease of access to essential drug testing services.
In Bowman, GA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and obtaining results is simple, maintaining privacy and ease for all involved parties, addressing potential concerns regarding confidentiality.
With competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in Bowman, GA offers excellent value for companies. The combination of affordable pricing and fast turnaround ensures that businesses of varying sizes can efficiently meet their drug testing needs.
In Bowman, GA, the efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests provide a rapid turnaround with a high degree of accuracy in detecting substances. Reliable and quick results make hair follicle testing a preferred choice for screening potential substance abuse.
Employers in Bowman, GA benefit from hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free policies. By adopting this method, employers can reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety, fostering a culture of peace of mind and compliance.
