Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands archive biomarkers within their fibers, providing an extended timeline of drug and alcohol use. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 90 days for substances. Hair acquisition is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for mailing.
A 1.5-inch hair segment of roughly 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis. Should EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10 be involved, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. For head hair, we specifically indicate scalp hair, while body hair includes all other forms (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves validating the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional entries absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to discard drug usage for most samples, any positive screen needs to be validated for legal admissibility. Samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. This phase involves withdrawing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which contributes to hair drug screening being the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potential positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dexter, GA
The superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair follicle tests make them a better choice compared to traditional urine tests. This advanced testing method identifies drug use over an extended period, offering a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's history.
Employers seeking drug-free work environments benefit from these detailed insights, allowing for more informed decisions and improved adherence to company policies. The hair test's resistance to tampering further enhances its dependability in detecting drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Dexter, GA
Hair follicle testing showcases its strength with an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This provides employers a thorough view of an employee's or applicant's past substance use, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their habits.
This prolonged detection period allows companies to ensure a safer, drug-free workplace by identifying individuals who may pose a risk due to their substance use history, thus supporting informed hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dexter, GA
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their ability to significantly minimize the potential for sample tampering. The integrity of the test is preserved through its design, ensuring that the results remain reliable and beyond doubt.
This inherent resistance to adulteration provides employers with confidence and peace of mind that the drug testing process is both authentic and accurate, enhancing the trust in test findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dexter, GA
The widespread availability of testing centers means quick and hassle-free access to hair testing services across the nation, as well as locally in Dexter.
This convenience ensures that businesses and individuals can promptly address their testing needs without the complications often associated with locating a reliable testing facility, promoting efficient and seamless testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dexter, GA
Ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is uncomplicated and confidential, addressing potential privacy concerns.
The straightforward nature of the process ensures ease of use while those being tested can feel secure about their private information being handled with care, making it an attractive option for personal and professional testing alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dexter, GA
Hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value to businesses of every size.
This efficient service ensures that cost-effective solutions are accessible, and results are promptly delivered, reinforcing the reliability and appeal of hair testing as an economic option for drug screening requirements.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dexter, GA
Hair follicle testing is known for providing quick, precise, and reliable results. The method's high accuracy ensures that substance use is effectively identified, offering a trustworthy approach for organizations in need of dependable drug screening processes.
Employers and individuals find confidence in the swift turnaround times of the results, making hair follicle tests a preferred choice for drug testing due to their notable reliability and precision in detecting drug usage.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dexter, GA
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thereby lowering legal risks and bolstering workplace safety.
The dependable nature of these tests ensures that employers can focus on creating a secure work environment, fostering peace of mind about adhering to regulatory requirements and enhancing overall employee well-being.
