Hair Follicle Drug Testing - College Park, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a long-term record of substances, preserving biomarkers within its strands as it grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can indicate the presence of alcohol and drugs for up to approximately a three-month period. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of alteration and ease of transportation.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For analyses involving EtG, additional parameters, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, confirming it was properly sealed and transported, providing it with a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening involves a preliminary, cost-effective check for drug abuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates most non-usage samples, any positive readings must undergo Confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples necessitate subsequent validation.

For samples presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are more meticulously extracted from hair, which involves lower concentrations of substances compared to alternatives like urine or oral fluids, making hair testing particularly challenging.

Confirmation of positive screenings is executed via methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples indicated as presumptive positive are cleansed prior to Confirmation as needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike shorter-duration urine tests.
• Difficulty to cheat: The integrity of hair drug testing is high due to its resistance to tampering.
• Provides historical data: Captures a timeline of drug use, offering insight beyond immediate consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to become traceable in hair samples.
• Cost: More costly compared to other drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Influences like hair color or personal hair growth can yield different metabolite concentrations.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand above the scalp, not the follicle beneath it.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in College Park, GA

• When comparing the two, hair testing offers supreme detection accuracy over urine tests.
• The reliability of hair testing lies in its extended detection window and the difficulty in falsifying samples.

This makes hair follicle tests in College Park, GA the preferred method for assured substance detection.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in College Park, GA

• Hair follicle testing can unveil drug usage over a prolonged period, typically up to 90 days.
• Employers benefit from insights into an individual's comprehensive substance history.

In College Park, GA, this testing window is advantageous for both pre-employment and ongoing evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in College Park, GA

• Hair follicle testing drastically decreases the chance of sample adulteration.
• With more reliable outcomes, it provides unquestionable results that stand firm.

Using this method in College Park, GA ensures the highest level of integrity in drug testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in College Park, GA

• Access easy, seamless, and quick testing services through our widespread center network.
• Local and nationwide availability caters to all testing needs, eliminating location constraints.

In College Park, GA, this accessibility offers unmatched convenience for testing requirements.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in College Park, GA

• Order, conduct, and obtain results through an effortless and discreet process.
• Client privacy is prioritized, making the overall process stress-free.

Clients in College Park, GA can rely on a streamlined and confidential testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in College Park, GA

• Competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid result timings provide exceptional value.
• Our services cater to companies of varying sizes, assuring cost-efficiency and swift outcomes.

In College Park, GA, affordable testing options guarantee peace of mind for all business types.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in College Park, GA

• Hair follicle tests provide precise and rapid results, serving as a trustworthy method for detecting substance use.
• This testing method is celebrated for its high accuracy, ensuring no substance use goes unnoticed.

In College Park, GA, opting for a hair follicle test means choosing a reliable way to assess drug intake with unparalleled precision.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in College Park, GA

• Hair follicle tests reinforce adherence to workplace drug-free policies.
• It lessens legal exposures and boosts workplace safety across the board.

In College Park, GA, adopting hair testing aids employers in maintaining a safe and compliant work setting.

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