Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Decatur, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. This method captures long-term indicators of substances in the structure of the hair strand, providing a timeline of up to three months when the sample is taken near the scalp. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, composed of roughly 200 strands, akin to a #2 pencil thickness, and sourced from near the scalp, yields 100mg, ideal for both initial tests and further analysis. For EtG, supplementary evaluations, or tests surpassing 10 panels, collecting 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent volume of body hair may suffice. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary stages in analyzing a drug test result in a laboratory setting include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails entering a sample into the lab's system, which involves checking the seal and shipment, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and finishing data entry that isn't captured by an electronic custody chain system.

Screening is a preliminary scan for drug substances. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug use from a vast number of samples, a Screening positive must be confirmed for legal purposes, with suspect samples requiring further verification.

During Extraction after a presumptive positive Screening outcome, more hair is derived from the initial batch and prepped. Here, hair releases substances at lower concentrations compared to methods like urine, highlighting hair drug testing's complexity.

If Screening results are positive, Confirmation is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples flagged in Screening receive a cleaning before Confirmation as needed. The entire procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is conducted according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 norms.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection capability: Hair drug evaluations can trace drug consumption for up to three months, unlike urine analyses that detect only recent use.
• Tamper-proof: Evading a hair drug test is challenging, yielding reliable outcomes.
• Chronological insight: Offers insights into long-term substance use, unlike other methods that detect only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Delayed detection: Drugs are detectable only 5 to 7 days after use in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug screenings often cost more compared to other methods.
• Result variability: Differences in hair color or growth rates may influence metabolite levels in hair analyses.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Decatur, GA, hair follicle testing clearly surpasses urine tests by offering greater accuracy and reliability in identifying drug use. The superior detection capabilities of hair tests make them the preferred choice for many, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of substance use compared to traditional urine analysis.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Decatur, GA, allow for a drug use detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a complete picture of an individual's substance use over time, offering insights that urine tests cannot match.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Decatur, GA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method for drug testing. Unlike other types of tests, these significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain credible and indisputable, providing peace of mind for those who rely on accurate testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Decatur, GA, our testing services are backed by a network of convenient nationwide locations. These centers make accessing hair follicle drug tests quick and hassle-free, thereby providing easy and efficient testing service for many.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Decatur, GA, is designed to be simple and confidential. This ensures that the ordering, taking, and receiving of results are handled with privacy and ease, addressing any confidentiality concerns that might arise.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing services in Decatur, GA, offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround. This provides excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring that drug testing is cost-effective and efficiently managed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Decatur, GA, offer fast and accurate results. They boast high precision in detecting substance use, ensuring findings are both reliable and swift. This method is ideal for individuals and organizations looking for efficient and dependable drug testing services.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Decatur, GA, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This enhances legal safety and bolsters the creation of a secure work environment, aiding in the protection of both the employer and employees.

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