Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and various other substances by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When procured close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeframe of nearly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is advised to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. The term "head hair" exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive screen must be affirmed for court acceptability. Any samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are drawn from hair at a much lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis one of the most challenging methodologies.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 directives.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Dakota, GA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine exams in reliability and detection prowess. Hair tests offer superior detection periods, typically up to 90 days, compared to urine tests. This extensive time frame allows for a more comprehensive analysis of an individual’s substance use history.
Benefits of Hair Testing:
Hair follicle testing in Dakota, GA permits extended periods of substance detection, generally up to 90 days. This testing method grants employers a thorough understanding of a potential hire or employee's past drug usage, supporting informed employment decisions.
Unlike other testing techniques, the expanded detection window leverages the hair's ability to store drug metabolites, providing a detailed history of substance use and creating a broader perspective on an individual’s habits.
In Dakota, GA, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of adulterating or tampering with test samples. This method provides consistent and unwavering results, which makes it an ideal choice for environments necessitating strict compliance and honesty.
The structure of hair follicle tests inherently resists common tampering methods used with other testing approaches, thus ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide facilities, including locations in Dakota, GA, provides accessible and hassle-free testing solutions for everyone. With numerous centers nationwide, testing services are always within reach, ensuring seamless and efficient service delivery.
Whether individuals seek routine screenings or specialized assessments, our strategically positioned centers support quick and efficient test facilitation, eliminating logistical obstacles for all parties involved.
In Dakota, GA, Accredited Drug Testing offers a straightforward and confidential testing process that respects privacy while simplifying procedures. From ordering to result retrieval, our services are designed to be user-friendly and secure, easing customers’ concerns.
Concerns Addressed:
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent service value in Dakota, GA. Our cost-effective structures support companies of all sizes, ensuring they benefit from both budget-friendly solutions and timely results.
Fast processing times serve immediate needs without compromising quality, affirming our commitment to delivering top-notch drug testing services efficiently and affordably.
In Dakota, GA, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched accuracy. These tests efficiently detect various substances, ensuring reliable and trustworthy results. Their ability to quickly provide accurate findings helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions based on concrete evidence.
Hair testing stands out for its high accuracy in identifying substance usage, reducing the likelihood of false positives or negatives. This dependable method supports legal and occupational safety standards, illustrating its integral role in modern drug screening practices.
Hair follicle testing in Dakota, GA promotes employer compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, fostering a safer and more trustworthy work setting. Implementing this testing method mitigates legal liabilities and highlights an organization’s commitment to maintaining a productive workplace.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that hair follicle testing reduces the risks associated with drug-related workplace incidents, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
