Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen utilizing a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The primary stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This entails confirming that the specimen was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in the majority of specimens, a positive screen needs to be corroborated to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require a further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair shaft and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug testing in Clarkdale, GA, hair analysis stands out as a superior method. Hair tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, making them a preferred choice for employers who require rigorous drug screening protocols.
Hair follicle tests in Clarkdale, GA, offer an extended detection period of up to 90 days. This longer window provides a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, aiding employers in making informed hiring or retention decisions.
In Clarkdale, GA, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their resistance to tampering. This testing method ensures the integrity of results, significantly diminishing the chances of sample manipulation and providing reliable outcomes.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Clarkdale, GA, our services are accessible, offering quick and seamless access to drug testing. This widespread availability ensures no disruption to employers' operations or employee obligations.
In Clarkdale, GA, the process for hair testing is simple and confidential. From initiating a test to receiving results, clients experience a streamlined procedure that respects their privacy and offers ease of use.
In Clarkdale, GA, our hair testing services are competitively priced, providing fast turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable offerings that ensure both value and rapid results.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Clarkdale, GA, offer unparalleled accuracy for substance detection. These assessments provide fast, dependable results, enabling timely decision-making. They have become a crucial tool in ensuring safe and compliant environments.
For employers in Clarkdale, GA, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This screening method reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety and employee well-being.
