Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has become a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol usage for up to a 3-month period. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and transportation is effortless.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) taken close to the scalp yields approximately 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or extended panel tests above 10, it's best to provide 150mg of hair. Employ a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the first phase, where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. This step checks that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial, cost-effective test for substances of abuse. While effective for most specimens, positive screenings require validation in legal cases. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further verification.
When a sample yields a presumptively positive result, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drug concentration in hair is extracted at a lower potency compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is often seen as more complex.
Confirmation of positive results proceeds through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive must be washed before this stage as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in Farmington, GA, hair tests clearly demonstrate a superior ability to detect drug use. The remarkable detection accuracy and reliability make hair follicle tests more appealing than urine tests. Hair tests offer an extended detection timeframe, providing comprehensive insights into an individual's drug use compared to urine tests.
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period in Farmington, GA. Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance history, as these tests track usage habits for as long as 90 days. This capability surpasses the limitations of urine tests, offering a more in-depth evaluation of an individual's drug habits.
Hair follicle tests in Farmington, GA stand out for their tamper-resistant qualities. These tests substantially reduce the chances of adulteration, delivering trustworthy and indisputable results. This feature adds an additional layer of integrity, crucial for drug testing processes where reliability is paramount. By minimizing tampering risks, hair testing ensures validity in test results.
Our nationwide network of testing locations includes convenient options in Farmington, GA. This extensive network guarantees quick, accessible testing services across the country. The convenience of local facilities simplifies the process, allowing individuals to effortlessly undergo testing without unnecessary delays or complications.
The process for hair follicle testing in Farmington, GA is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the steps prioritize privacy and ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns. This streamlined approach ensures that individuals can undertake testing with confidence, knowing their information is secure and the procedure is straightforward.
Offering affordable pricing and swift turnaround in Farmington, GA, our hair follicle testing provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures, combined with quick result delivery, ensure companies receive high-quality testing without incurring excessive costs. This efficiency and affordability promote peace of mind for employers monitoring substance use.
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast, reliable, and accurate results in Farmington, GA. They stand out not only for their precision but also for their ability to swiftly detect substance use. The advanced technology used in hair testing ensures high accuracy, making it an invaluable tool for employers requiring trustworthy drug testing outcomes.
Employers in Farmington, GA benefit from peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to regulations, mitigates legal risks, and bolsters workplace safety by accurately identifying drug use among employees. With hair testing, companies can confidently maintain a secure and compliant working environment.
