Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers in the strands of developing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage within a roughly 3-month timeframe. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen containing approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for examination and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory drug test result processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the introductory processing within a laboratory's system. This step checks that the sample is sealed and correctly dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial review for drug presence. It is cost-effective for excluding drug use across most samples, but a positive result must be verified for legal acceptance. Presumptive positive samples require further confirmation.
Once a sample is suspected positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmed screening results are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS tests. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer, as the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Chattanooga Valley, GA, hair follicle tests are increasingly favored over urine tests due to their superior detection ability. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair tests provide a longer look back on substance use, ensuring more reliable results. The precision of hair testing offers assurance in various settings, ensuring policies are maintained effectively.
Extended Detection Window
Those in Chattanooga Valley, GA, can benefit from hair follicle testing that offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method provides a more thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history, allowing employers to make well-informed decisions about current or potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Chattanooga Valley, GA, remarkably minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring that the results are both dependable and impartial. The sample collection process, which requires no privacy issues that urine testing faces, further guarantees the authenticity of the tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Offering nationwide testing centers, including locations in Chattanooga Valley, GA, our testing services promise convenience and accessibility. This network ensures that individuals can easily access testing services, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
Simple and Confidential Process
The hair follicle testing conducted in Chattanooga Valley, GA, is both straightforward and confidential. From test ordering to results delivery, each step respects privacy and is designed for ease. This process ensures that individuals feel secure and comfortable when handling their testing needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
The competitive pricing and prompt turnaround time of hair follicle testing in Chattanooga Valley, GA, represent extraordinary value for organizations of various sizes. This ensures companies obtain reliable results quickly without the burden of excessive costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Chattanooga Valley, GA, benefits from the rapid processing and precise outcomes of hair follicle drug testing. This testing method is renowned for its high level of accuracy, enabling effective detection of substance use. Since hair tests trace drug use back over longer periods, they offer significantly more accurate results than traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Chattanooga Valley, GA, employers gain assurance and maintain compliance with drug-free workplace initiatives by employing hair follicle testing. This testing reduces legal risks and fosters a safe working environment, reassuring employers of the integrity and quality of their workforce.
