Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol use. It offers a comprehensive history by retaining biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide a roughly three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (such as facial and axillary).
Procedure Overview
The four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs. Though Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples appearing positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, further hair is taken from the main sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Duncanville, GA
Hair testing provides notable advantages over traditional urine tests. It delivers a superior detection window, capturing a broader substance use timeline. With increased accuracy and reduced chances of tampering, it is a preferred method among employers in Duncanville, GA seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Extended Detection Window in Duncanville, GA
Employers favor hair follicle tests due to their extended detection span, offering up to 90 days of substance usage insight. This longer overview helps companies in Duncanville, GA evaluate applicant or employee histories comprehensively, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Duncanville, GA
Reducing the potential for sample tampering, hair follicle drug tests ensure indisputable integrity. This testing method fortifies the results' reliability, providing Duncanville, GA businesses with a trustworthy method to verify substance use, minimizing any risks of result manipulation or dishonesty.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Duncanville, GA
Accredited Drug Testing's comprehensive network ensures easy access to testing across the nation, with facilities located conveniently in Duncanville, GA. Our widespread centers provide straightforward and hassle-free solutions for all testing needs, catering to diverse client requirements efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Duncanville, GA
We prioritize privacy and ease with a seamless order, test, and result receipt process. Our stakeholders in Duncanville, GA experience confidentiality and comfort, ensuring all testing aspects are handled with utmost discretion and efficiency.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Duncanville, GA
Offering competitive pricing structures for all sizes of organizations, we assure rapid result delivery without compromising quality. Our services in Duncanville, GA cater to businesses seeking cost-effective yet reliable testing solutions, ensuring value and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Duncanville, GA
The precision and quick processing of hair follicle drug tests make them ideal for those requiring definitive substance detection. Offering exceptional accuracy rates, hair tests ensure users get trustworthy results promptly, aiding those in Duncanville, GA in making informed decisions regarding substance use assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Duncanville, GA
Utilizing hair follicle testing not only aligns with drug-free workplace policies but also diminishes legal complications. It enhances workplace safety, offering peace to Duncanville, GA companies by ensuring compliance and proactively mitigating potential drug-related office incidents.
