Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by capturing indicators within the strands of developing hair. A sample taken close to the scalp can reveal substance usage within a roughly 3-month timeframe. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
For optimal analysis, a 1.5-inch piece of hair, consisting of about 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil), should provide 100mg, the perfect amount for testing. In cases involving EtG, additional assessments, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair references all other hair sources (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The sequential steps in laboratory evaluation of a drug sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step in integrating a sample into a lab’s database. It ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial assessment to detect possible drug presence. Although Screening economically rules out drug consumption in most cases, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal credibility. Any samples showing potential positivity in Screening need further validation.
Should Screening reveal a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at lower levels than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as the most complex method to execute.
Certification of a positive screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples are cleansed before confirmation. The full lab progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and meets the ISO / IEC 17025 certification requirements.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on hair strands, not the scalp-embedded follicles.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Centralhatchee, GA
In contrast to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages. Hair tests provide a much longer detection period, allowing insights into sustained substance use over time. Its resistance to adulteration is unmatched, offering organizations in Centralhatchee a deeper, more accurate window into an individual's history of drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Centralhatchee, GA
Hair follicle testing is ideal for uncovering drug use spanning up to 90 days, offering employers profound insights into an individual's substance habits. This extended detection window provides a detailed historical overview, exceeding the capability of urine tests and allowing employers to maintain safer and more informed workplaces.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Centralhatchee, GA
The inherent design of hair follicle tests limits opportunities for tampering. By collecting hair samples under supervision, the test ensures the integrity and authenticity of results. This method provides Centralhatchee employers with concrete, reliable data that can withstand scrutiny, ensuring peace of mind and confidence in the findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Centralhatchee, GA
Our network of testing centers across the nation guarantees accessible and convenient drug testing services. In Centralhatchee, GA, we provide swift, straightforward access to tests, eliminating hassle for individuals and companies. With locations everywhere, Accredited Drug Testing ensures the process is seamless and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Centralhatchee, GA
Ordering, collecting, and receiving results with Accredited Drug Testing is streamlined and confidential. Our process addresses concerns about privacy and usability, making it simple for clients to proceed without complicating steps. We prioritize discretion and convenience, ensuring a user-friendly experience from start to finish in Centralhatchee.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Centralhatchee, GA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid result delivery across Centralhatchee. We provide exceptional value by balancing cost-effectiveness with speed, ensuring clients of all sizes receive excellent service. Our commitment to affordability and fast turnaround times makes us a preferred partner for local businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Centralhatchee, GA
The precision of hair follicle drug tests makes them highly favored for detecting substance use efficiently. These tests ensure high accuracy levels, minimizing false positives, and providing reliable data swiftly. With cutting-edge technology, Accredited Drug Testing delivers results you can trust, enhancing the process's overall validity and reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Centralhatchee, GA
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly decreasing legal liabilities. This method upholds rigorous standards while fostering a safe working environment. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing their assessment methods align with top industry practices and yield clear, defensible results.
