Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance use of both drugs and alcohol. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended historical perspective on alcohol and other substance consumption. Sampling hair near the scalp can reveal substance use for up to a three-month span. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is hard to tamper with, and shipping is hassle-free.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hairs (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken close to the scalp, equates to 100mg - the ideal quantity for both initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't an option, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial step, introducing the sample into the lab's system. This step includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any unfulfilled data entry that wasn't covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substances. Though cost-effective at ruling out drug presence in most cases, a positive screening must undergo confirmation to be legally upheld. Any samples that test potentially positive in this stage need further verification.
Should a sample be flagged as potentially positive during Screening, more hair is drawn from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations as compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid testing), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any initially positive screening outcome is performed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. Every step, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, receives oversight per CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While they are often called "hair follicle tests", analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Ellenwood, GA, the advantages are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection and result reliability, making it a preferred method over urine testing.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Ellenwood, GA makes it an outstanding choice for employers. Detecting drug use over a 90-day period provides a comprehensive review of an individual’s substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Ellenwood, GA minimizes the chances of sample tampering, providing reliable and unaltered results. This testing method is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature.
Convenience and accessibility are central to our services in Ellenwood, GA with numerous testing centers nationwide. Clients appreciate the easy access to our testing services, making the process prompt and hassle-free.
Ellenwood, GA residents experience a simple and confidential process when ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing. This streamlined procedure assures privacy, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
Our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Ellenwood, GA, providing excellent service value for companies seeking reliable testing methods.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Ellenwood, GA is unparalleled. Hair testing boasts high accuracy, ensuring reliable detection of various substances and providing results quickly to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced world.
Employers in Ellenwood, GA find confidence and peace of mind knowing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in reducing legal and safety risks.
