Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of drug use by encasing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, attempting tampering is relatively challenging, and the samples are easy to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil), when cut nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg, which is optimal for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is encouraged. If scalp hair isn't present, equivalent body hair can be used. The term head hair exclusively pertains to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in a laboratory drug test process are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the preliminary introduction of a specimen into a laboratory’s database. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not available through an electronic custody system.
Screening entails an initial, rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening cost-effectively rules out drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal proceedings. All presumptive positives in Screening require additional verification.
If a sample is potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. At this point, drugs are removed from hair at a notably lower concentration than in alternatives such as urine or oral fluids, emphasizing why hair testing is a more complex procedure.
Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation for ISO / IEC 17025 protocols.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test is frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", but it analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Davisboro, GA Hair testing outshines traditional urine tests through superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which provide a shorter detection window, hair tests unveil a longer history of drug use, capturing more instances of substance use, ultimately aiding employers and agencies in making informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Davisboro, GA Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing the capabilities of standard urine tests. This prolonged period allows employers to obtain a comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance use, ensuring informed decisions regarding employment or compliance with substance policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Davisboro, GA Hair follicle tests greatly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable. With a method that is nearly impossible to adulterate, hair testing provides definitive and trustworthy evidence of substance use, bolstering the integrity of testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Davisboro, GA Enjoy the convenience of our widespread testing centers, facilitating quick, hassle-free access to drug testing services. With locations throughout the country, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to reliable testing, serving Davisboro, GA, and beyond with efficiency and professionalism.
Simple, Confidential Process in Davisboro, GA Our confidential testing process is straightforward, ensuring privacy from ordering to receiving results. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the process prioritizes discretion and ease, addressing any privacy concerns and streamlining the path to obtaining necessary substance use information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Davisboro, GA Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures along with rapid result turnaround times, providing exceptional value. Catering to companies of all sizes, our pricing ensures affordability without compromising on the quality and speed of testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Davisboro, GA Hair follicle drug tests deliver results with unmatched precision and speed, ensuring high accuracy in substance detection. This testing method is acclaimed for its ability to provide fast and reliable results, bolstering confidence in both individuals and employers seeking unequivocal screening outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Davisboro, GA Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace regulations, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. By embracing this reliable testing method, employers foster a safer work environment while ensuring adherence to essential compliance standards.
