Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely regarded as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive timeline of usage by capturing biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair tests can reveal alcohol and drug presence for up to roughly 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, presenting challenges to tampering, and is easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp provides around 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional checks, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn’t present, a comparable volume of body hair can be utilized. Head hair specifically refers to scalp strands, while body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering the sample into the lab’s system, which includes the verification of proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional required data entry not provided by an existing electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drug abuse. While it's an economical way to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive result from Screening needs further validation to be court-admissible. Samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral swabs), making hair drug testing one of the more complex methodologies.
Positive screens are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples showing presumptive positivity are cleaned before confirmation if required. The full laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Doyle, GA, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The tests provide a more robust method of identifying past drug use than urine, enhancing the effectiveness of workplace drug policies.
An extended detection window is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Doyle, GA. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days, it provides employers a comprehensive substance history of applicants or employees, ensuring a thorough background check.
In Doyle, GA, hair follicle tests minimize the risk of tampering, presenting an almost foolproof method of sample collection and analysis. This reliable technique ensures that test results remain unquestionable and accurate.
With numerous convenient testing centers across the nation and local options in Doyle, GA, accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free. The availability of these centers simplifies the process for individuals requiring testing.
In Doyle, GA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, privacy and ease of use are prioritized, addressing concerns of clients effectively.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Doyle, GA, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from affordable rates, ensuring budget-friendly solutions.
Hair follicle drug tests in Doyle, GA, stand out for their rapidity and accuracy. They offer fast and precise detection of drugs, ensuring that employers get reliable results. The high accuracy level of these tests makes them a popular choice, catching substance use with great efficacy.
Employers in Doyle, GA, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance helps in reducing legal risks while fostering a safer work environment.
