Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within their fibers. When taken near the scalp, the hair sample can indicate drug and alcohol use for a period of up to three months. Collecting hair samples is a straightforward process, relatively resistant to tampering, and can be shipped without difficulty.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. However, if testing for EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels is needed, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. In instances where scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent measure of body hair may be used. "Head hair" is exclusively referring to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types, such as facial and armpit hair.
Process Overview
The sequence of steps in processing a drug test in a laboratory involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where the sample is registered into the laboratory’s database. It ensures that the sample is appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any outstanding data entry tasks if not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial evaluation for substance abuse. Though Screening is economical and efficient in identifying drug use in most samples, any positive finding must be validated for legal acceptance. Samples that test positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Presumptive positive samples from the Screening process have additional hair removed from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques such as urine or oral fluid testing, which makes hair drug testing a challenging procedure.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used to confirm positive screening results. Samples that show presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common label "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, excluding the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Superiority Over Traditional Methods In East Point, GA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over the common urine test.
Detect Drug Use Over 90 Days One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing in East Point is its ability to reveal drug use history for up to 90 days. This extended detection window gives employers a wider perspective on an individual's substance history, crucial for positions requiring high levels of trust and responsibility.
Ensuring Sample Integrity In East Point, GA, hair follicle testing minimizes tampering risks significantly.
Convenient Testing Across East Point Our widespread testing locations, available nationwide including East Point, provide convenience and accessibility. Featuring:
- Simple scheduling process
- Local and nationwide centers
- Quick and efficient service
Confidential and Easy Process In East Point, the hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and private. Steps included are:
Cost-Effective and Speedy Hair follicle testing in East Point proves to be both affordable and fast.
Precision and Speed in East Point Hair follicle testing stands out for its rapid and accurate detection of substance use. In East Point, Georgia, its efficiency lies not only in its precision but also in delivering fast results. Employers benefit by swiftly assessing potential employees' drug use, ensuring decisions are made promptly without compromising on reliability.
Workplace Compliance and Safety Utilizing hair follicle testing in East Point ensures employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies.
