Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a lengthy history of substances by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair fiber strands. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of nearly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, relatively resistive to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil in thickness) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG extensions and assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal portion of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry needed that isn't supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screening result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, substances are extracted at considerably lower concentrations from hair than through other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is regarded as the most complex methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Evansville, GA, hair follicle testing is emerging as a superior choice over traditional urine tests, offering remarkable detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can reveal drug use dating back up to 90 days, providing a broader assessment.
For those enforcing strict drug policies, hair testing is advantageous due to its reliability and difficulty to tamper with, unlike conventional urine tests.
In Evansville, GA, hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, identifying substance use over the past 90 days. This makes it ideal for employers who wish to understand an employee's long-term substance use history.
Such comprehensive testing provides insights into behavioral patterns over time, making it invaluable for hiring decisions in substance-controlled work environments.
Hair follicle tests minimize sample tampering risks, providing trustworthy results in Evansville, GA. Their inherent resistance to adulteration ensures that results remain accurate and reliable.
This testing method enhances the integrity of drug testing processes, offering results that withstand scrutiny, crucial for maintaining trust in testing protocols.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient hair follicle testing locations nationwide and locally in Evansville, GA. Our widespread network ensures quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services when you need them most.
Clients can easily locate testing centers nearby, allowing for efficient testing processes without travel-related stress.
In Evansville, GA, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step safeguards privacy concerns, ensuring ease of use.
Individuals can confidently engage in the testing process, knowing their information is protected, supporting a stress-free testing experience.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Evansville, GA, our hair follicle tests provide excellent value. Companies can benefit from competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of service.
Rapid processing ensures timely results, facilitating crucial decision-making in workplace settings, enhancing overall value.
Hair follicle testing in Evansville, GA, ensures rapid, reliable outcomes. Its precision in identifying substances is unparalleled, making it a preferred choice for employers and organizations.
The speed of obtaining results from hair follicle tests is unmatched, helping organizations make timely decisions about potential hires or existing employees.
For employers in Evansville, GA, utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace standards. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also boosts workplace safety by ensuring substance use is detected timely.
Employers gain peace of mind, knowing their workforce aligns with mandated drug-use standards, reinforcing a safe and productive environment.