Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has gained recognition as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record-keeper for alcohol and drugs, capturing biomarkers within its fibers. When obtained near the scalp, it can offer an approximate three-month detection span for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil’s diameter) from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It’s advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair imply scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of the sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses validating that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves conducting an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it efficiently rules out drug presence in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples presumed positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. In this step, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis pertains to the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Elberton, GA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by providing enhanced accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests unveil a broader history, ensuring comprehensive insights into an individual's substance habits. This long-term detection capability sets hair tests apart.
Hair follicle testing in Elberton, GA provides an extended detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This longer time frame enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's drug history, thereby making informed decisions on hiring and retention.
In Elberton, GA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method of drug screening. The process significantly reduces the chance of sample manipulation, resulting in trustworthy outcomes. Its robust nature ensures that the test results are accurate and free from tampering concerns.
Elberton, GA benefits from convenient testing with our nationwide centers, ensuring seamless access to hair follicle testing. This widespread availability guarantees straightforward, efficient, and stress-free services for everyone in need of testing.
In Elberton, GA, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. The ease of ordering, testing, and result delivery addresses privacy concerns effectively. This seamless procedure assures individuals of both convenience and discretion throughout the process.
In Elberton, GA, we offer cost-effective hair follicle testing with rapid turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structure delivers exceptional value, accommodating businesses of various sizes while ensuring they receive quick and reliable results.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a top choice in Elberton, GA. They offer remarkable accuracy in identifying substance use, offering quick results without compromising reliability. This efficiency is crucial for organizations needing rapid and dependable testing outcomes.
Employers in Elberton, GA benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and bolsters safety, granting peace of mind by maintaining a respectful and law-abiding work environment.
