Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. By obtaining hair samples close to the scalp, it is possible to detect alcohol and drug use over an approximately three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp can yield about 100mg of hair, which is perfect for screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the laboratory's system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drug abuse. While it is a cost-effective method for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in the Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed for confirming any positive screening findings. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination assesses the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine methods, there are several key benefits in Coal Mountain, GA. Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, making them a preferred choice. Their ability to uncover substances over a longer period provides a clearer view of substance usage than urine tests, making them an essential tool for comprehensive analysis.
Employers in Coal Mountain, GA seeking an extended detection window for drug use will find hair follicle tests exemplary. Capable of reporting substance history over a significant period, up to 90 days, these tests provide a detailed view into an applicant or employee's drug usage, ensuring more informed decision-making processes.
In Coal Mountain, GA, hair follicle tests are revered for their resistance to tampering. Their collection and analysis process is designed to minimize the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. This method protects the integrity of the testing process, maintaining high confidence levels in the results obtained.
In Coal Mountain, GA, the convenience of our extensive testing center network ensures easy access to testing services. Our strategic nationwide locations facilitate quick, hassle-free testing, making it simple for individuals to undergo necessary evaluations without undue travel or inconvenience, ensuring seamless service delivery.
The drug testing process in Coal Mountain, GA is simple and confidential. Ordering a test, participating, and receiving results is straightforward. This streamlined approach ensures participant privacy while upholding ease of use, catering to user concerns and prioritizing a transparent, user-friendly process.
In Coal Mountain, GA, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround on hair follicle drug tests. Our competitive pricing schedules and the swift delivery of results provide exceptional value, empowering companies of all sizes. Fast processing times and cost-effective solutions ensure satisfaction and financial efficiency.
In Coal Mountain, GA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speedy results. Unlike other testing methods, they are known for their high accuracy in identifying substance usage. A key strength is their ability to quickly provide reliable information, ensuring clients receive prompt results without compromising data integrity.
Employers in Coal Mountain, GA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind by opting for hair follicle testing. This testing method helps uphold drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal risks and bolstering workplace safety by ensuring employees are meeting set standards without ambiguity.
