Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cartersville, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has been recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method provides an extended record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair's structure. When sourced close to the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month timeframe for detection of alcohol and drugs. It's easy to obtain, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Note, head hair specifically denotes scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The critical phases in the lab analysis of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s database. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts a preliminary check for substance misuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally recognized. Samples testing preliminarily positive in Screening mandate additional confirmation.

Should a sample test preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are detached from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments detect substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a briefer detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Altering hair drug test outcomes is notably difficult, enhancing result reliability.
• Offers progressive data: This method provides a usage trend over time, beyond recent substance use.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drug presence in hair becomes noticeable after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than alternative testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair pigmentation and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this testing examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle within the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing in Cartersville, GA - The efficiency of hair testing surpasses traditional urine methods, boasting unbeatable detection accuracy and dependability. With longer detection spans and resistance to manipulation, it is the preferred choice for many.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Window for Drug Detection in Cartersville, GA - Hair analyses provide insights on drug consumption over an extended period, up to 90 days. This allows employers to thoroughly assess the history of potential or current employees' substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure Testing to Prevent Tampering in Cartersville, GA - Hair follicle testing effectively minimizes adulteration risks, ensuring results remain consistent and trusted. This method renders tampered samples obsolete, safeguarding accuracy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Testing Facilities Across the Nation and Locally in Cartersville, GA - Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees effortless access to drug testing services, easing the process for individuals and employers everywhere.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless and Private Testing Procedure in Cartersville, GA - The process of ordering, executing, and obtaining test results is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and simplifying user experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitively Priced and Rapid Delivery in Cartersville, GA - We offer attractive pricing and swift turnaround, delivering exceptional value and reassurance to businesses of every size.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Precise, and Dependable Outcomes in Cartersville, GA - Hair follicle drug tests are known for their swift and accurate detection of substance usage. This method ensures high precision, offering undeniable reliability for employers who need trustworthy test results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Assuring Compliance and Security for Employers in Cartersville, GA - Implementing hair follicle drug testing aligns with drug-free workplace mandates, reducing legal exposure and enhancing overall safety, benefiting organizations and employees alike.

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