Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair archives a detailed timeline of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair offers roughly a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch sample roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil, amounting to 200 hair strands, will produce a 100mg sample—optimal for both screening and verification processes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If head hair is not available, a similar volume of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. All other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.) are referred to as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for obtaining a drug test result includes these primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, integrating a sample into the laboratory’s processing system. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any data not already logged by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening consists of a preliminary scan for drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally defensible. Any samples that return a presumptive positive result during Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for further preparation in the Extraction stage. This stage involves removing drugs from hair at a much lower concentration than alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," this type of test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Claxton, GA, hair follicle testing stands out over traditional urine tests. Their ability to accurately detect drug use makes them an invaluable tool for employers. While urine tests limit detection to recent days, hair analyses reveal a broader history of substance use, proving a superior option for those committed to a drug-free environment.
Claxton, GA, benefits immensely from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, offering insights into up to 90 days of drug use. Employers seeking comprehensive evaluations rely on this method to determine an individual's substance use history, enabling more informed decision-making when evaluating potential or current employees.
Sample adulteration risks are minimized with hair follicle tests, making them a trustworthy choice in Claxton, GA. The method's rigorous collection process ensures results can't easily be altered or tampered with, providing peace of mind to those relying on authentic, undistorted data.
Conveniently located testing centers in Claxton, GA, complement our nationwide array of facilities. This ensures access to drug testing services is both quick and hassle-free, allowing individuals and companies to complete the process efficiently without geographical constraints.
In Claxton, GA, our process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is designed with privacy in mind, ensuring individuals can comfortably navigate the testing process without concerns about confidentiality breaches.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times characterize our hair follicle testing services in Claxton, GA. We offer cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes, while maintaining swift result delivery, enhancing the overall value proposition for our clients.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Claxton, GA, set them apart. Detecting various substances accurately, they offer a dependable measure of drug use. The method's high accuracy ensures that individuals tested receive reliable results without unnecessary delays, positioning it as the preferred choice for those seeking swift, accurate assessments.
Hair follicle testing ensures Claxton, GA, employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and fosters a safer work environment. Companies opting for hair tests demonstrate a commitment to integrity and safety, enhancing overall workplace culture.
