Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a prolonged history of substance use. When taken close to the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of up to 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analytes, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically means scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory stages involved in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a lab's system. This part ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't cover.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient for determining the absence of drugs in most samples, any positive results from Screening require confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Presumptive positives from Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted at lower concentrations from hair compared to other specimens like urine or saliva, explaining why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples get a pre-confirmation wash when needed. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Camilla, GA
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle testing in Camilla, GA, offers unparalleled advantages. It excels in offering a longer detection window and greater accuracy. While urine tests are limited in their detection capabilities, hair tests provide a more reliable reflection of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Camilla, GA
Hair follicle testing in Camilla, GA, dramatically widens the detection window, capturing drug use over periods as long as 90 days. This expansive timeframe enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug use history, vital for making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Camilla, GA
One of the major benefits of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods where samples can be easily manipulated, hair tests in Camilla, GA, offer a much more secure and integrity-based approach, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and beyond question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Camilla, GA
For those in Camilla, GA, and beyond, the availability of our nationwide testing centers offers unparalleled convenience. This accessibility makes drug testing services swift and stress-free, ensuring that individuals and companies do not have to travel far for high-quality service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Camilla, GA
Our drug testing process in Camilla, GA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, all steps prioritize privacy and ease, ensuring a seamless experience for those involved, without compromising security at any point.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Camilla, GA
At our Camilla, GA, locations, we pride ourselves on competitive pricing and quick result turnaround times. By providing excellent value and timely service, we accommodate companies of all sizes, enabling them to handle drug testing requirements without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Camilla, GA
In the quest for reliable drug testing, hair follicle analysis stands out for its speed and accuracy. Residents of Camilla, GA, benefit from testing that delivers precise outcomes, quickly identifying substance use with a high degree of accuracy. This makes it easier for decision-makers to trust the results and act accordingly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Camilla, GA
Implementing hair follicle testing in Camilla, GA, significantly aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and fosters a more secure work environment, ensuring peace of mind for employers and safety for employees.
