Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair records a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs use. When gathered near the scalp, it offers a detection span of up to roughly 90 days for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A batch of hair measuring 1.5 inches from the scalp, comprising about 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil), provides 100mg—an ideal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional elements, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In reference to head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in laboratory processing for drug testing results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the introductory processing of a sample into the laboratory system. It involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers an economical method to discard drug usage in the majority of samples, any positive outcome needs confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening require additional confirmation.
If Screening designates a sample as presumptively positive, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves removing drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods—such as urine or oral fluid—which explains why hair drug screening is among the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that presumptively test positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the scalp's hair follicle.
In Cecil, GA, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior alternative to conventional urine tests. With a broader detection window, increased accuracy, and a tamper-resistant collection process, hair testing reliably identifies substance use. It delivers confidence in test results, surpassing the limitations of urine testing.
In Cecil, GA, hair follicle tests provide insights into an individual's substance use history by detecting drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window is invaluable for employers to assess an applicant or employee's long-term substance behavior, helping make informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Cecil, GA drastically reduces the risk of sample tampering, rendering results reliable and credible. The method involves a supervised collection process, minimizing opportunities for adulteration and ensuring trust in the outcomes of the screenings.
Our vast network of nationwide testing centers offers unparalleled convenience in Cecil, GA. Whether local or across the country, our facilities ensure rapid and straightforward access to hair follicle testing services, eliminating delays and streamlining the testing process for all involved.
The process of hair follicle testing in Cecil, GA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, the procedure respects privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing common concerns over the handling of personal data and minimizing stress.
Offering competitive pricing without compromising quality, our hair follicle testing services in Cecil, GA ensure businesses of all sizes benefit from fast turnarounds. This combination of affordability and efficiency delivers exceptional value, encouraging widespread adoption.
Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and speed, making them a popular choice in Cecil, GA. Known for their high accuracy, these tests can effectively identify substance use, providing reliable assessments with minimal delays, ensuring decisions are based on accurate data.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Cecil, GA helps employers maintain a drug-free workplace, fulfilling compliance requirements and enhancing safety. With this method, employers mitigate legal risks, ensuring a secure and productive environment that resonates peace of mind in operations.
