Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. With the ability to capture biomarkers within the strands, hair offers a detailed history of alcohol and drug consumption. When cut near the head, hair can show a detection period of up to three months for substances. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is difficult, and transportation is simple.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the head can provide 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG or those requiring more than 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary.
Process Summary
The primary steps in lab processing for drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes integrating the sample into the lab system, which involves ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary identification of drug abuse. Although a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug consumption for most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be legally valid. Presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the existing sample for the Extraction stage, where drugs are extracted at very low concentrations, emphasizing the complexity of hair drug testing compared to alternatives like urine or oral fluid.
Positive screening results require Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the lab processes adhere to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself and not the follicle under the skin
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Douglasville, GA
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in numerous ways, especially in Douglasville, GA. With superior detection accuracy, hair tests expose drug use over an extended period, which urine tests might overlook. The reliability factor of hair testing eliminates the chances of tampering that can skew urine test results.
Hair tests provide broader insight into an individual’s substance history, unlike urine tests that cover only recent usage. This approach ensures employers make informed decisions based on extensive data, leading to better personnel management.
Extended Detection Window in Douglasville, GA
The most notable aspect of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can trace drug use up to 90 days, giving a clear view of a person's substance habits. This long-term detection capability ensures companies in Douglasville, GA, have an accurate overview of an employee’s or applicant’s drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Douglasville, GA
Hair follicle testing's biggest advantage is its resistance to adulteration, offering Douglasville, GA employers peace of mind with results they can trust. The integrity of the hair test eliminates most methods of cheating, unlike urine tests which are more susceptible to manipulation.
This tamper-resistant property ensures that the outcomes are reliable and unchanged, supporting businesses in maintaining their drug policies rigorously and consistently.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Douglasville, GA
Our widespread network of testing centers across the nation guarantees quick and straightforward access to services, including local options in Douglasville, GA. This extensive location network allows easy and convenient access to testing, minimizing any disruption to personal or professional schedules.
The availability of our testing locations emphasizes accessibility, ensuring that testing is hassle-free and within reach for all who require it.
Simple, Confidential Process in Douglasville, GA
The hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring ease of use for clients in Douglasville, GA. From ordering through to receiving results, every stage is designed to protect privacy while maintaining simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Douglasville, GA
Our competitive pricing structure ensures that high-quality hair follicle testing is accessible to businesses of all sizes in Douglasville, GA. Coupled with swift turnaround times, it provides unparalleled value and peace of mind.
By ensuring affordability without sacrificing speed or accuracy, companies can confidently engage our services, knowing they will receive effective testing outcomes promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Douglasville, GA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and promptness when it comes to identifying substance use. These tests are recognized for their high accuracy, providing trustworthy results swiftly, ensuring that employers receive the necessary information without delay or doubt.
In Douglasville, GA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures that the results are not only fast but also significantly more reliable. This method applies a rigorous analysis, delivering clarity on substance usage patterns that other testing forms might miss.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Douglasville, GA
Employers in Douglasville, GA who utilize hair follicle testing secure compliance with their drug-free policies, significantly lowering potential legal challenges. This comprehensive testing approach not only enhances policy adherence but also ensures a safer and more efficient workplace environment.
The reassurance provided by hair testing aids employers in confidently enforcing their drug policies, leading to higher levels of workplace safety and productivity.
