Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is considered a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The growing hair strand traps biomarkers, providing extensive records of substance exposure. If cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use history for up to three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp offers about 100mg, optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional testing, or those over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Drug test laboratory processing involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of organizing a sample within a lab’s system. This step confirms that the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not automated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be suitable for legal proceedings. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial batch for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive Screening results are confirmed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples assumed positive undergo a washing process if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis occurs on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Clarkesville, GA sees a compelling case for hair follicle testing over urine-based methods. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides extended detection periods and superior accuracy. With hair analysis, employers benefit from reliable results and minimized chances of manipulation, ensuring a trustworthy screening of applicants and employees. This testing method outperforms others in reliability and comprehensive detection capabilities.
Employers in Clarkesville, GA appreciate the extended detection window offered by hair follicle tests. This method effectively tracks drug use over a span of up to 90 days, offering managers valuable insights into an individual's substance history. By choosing hair testing, businesses gain a comprehensive view of workforce habits, helping in making informed hiring and retention decisions.
A key advantage of hair follicle testing in Clarkesville, GA is its resilience against tampering. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample manipulation, providing endpoints with trustworthy and indisputable results. Substantially harder to adulterate than other testing forms, hair follicle tests ensure integrity, pivotal for establishments enforcing stringent drug-free policies.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts nationwide testing sites, ensuring convenience for individuals in Clarkesville, GA. With local and expansive reach, our centers simplify the process, delivering accessible and hassle-free testing solutions. Whether near or far, clients benefit from seamless access to our cutting-edge hair follicle testing services.
In Clarkesville, GA, the hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and confidential. Clients can effortlessly order, take the test, and acquire results, addressing privacy concerns with ease. Our streamlined approach guarantees that users feel secure and comfortable, maintaining confidentiality and simplicity at every step of the process.
With competitive pricing, Accredited Drug Testing offers excellent value in Clarkesville, GA. Our affordable hair follicle testing services are paired with rapid turnaround times, catering to companies of varying scales. This combination ensures cost-effectiveness while meeting the high standards needed for workplace assessments, bringing peace of mind to our clients.
In the heart of Clarkesville, GA, hair follicle drug testing stands out due to its precision and swift results. Its high accuracy makes it superior in tracing substance use over time. With hair testing, individuals and organizations receive highly reliable data, ensuring informed and quick decisions. The methodology guarantees that outcomes are delivered fast, matching the urgency of modern testing needs.
For Clarkesville, GA employers, hair follicle testing promotes compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This technique mitigates legal risks and enhances safety standards. Utilizing hair testing helps maintain a harmonious, non-compromised work environment, offering peace of mind and reinforcing commitment to a safe professional ecosystem.
