Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. This technique traps biomarkers within the growing hair fibers, presenting a prolonged record of substance usage. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal information on drug and alcohol use over a span of roughly three months. It's easy to gather samples, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
To obtain an optimal sample for screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair. For tests like EtG and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other hair types such as facial or axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results follows four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completing any further necessary data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drug abuse indications. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive finding during Screening must be verified to be valid in legal contexts. Samples presumptively positive at this stage require secondary Confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction, where drugs are retrieved from the hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are washed pre-confirmation as deemed necessary. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this testing actually examines the hair strand instead of the scalp hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Folkston, GA
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. The comprehensive nature of hair analysis ensures reliable results, minimizing errors and providing peace of mind to employers in Folkston, GA.
Extended Detection Window in Folkston, GA
Hair follicle testing provides a lengthy detection period of up to 90 days, making it an effective tool for employers looking to assess substance history comprehensively. This extended window ensures a detailed overview of an employee's or applicant's drug usage, crucial for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Folkston, GA
The reliability of hair follicle tests hinges on their resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, these tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results that hold up in legal and employment contexts in Folkston, GA.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Folkston, GA
With a broad network of testing facilities nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to services in Folkston, GA. This extensive reach ensures that businesses and individuals alike can conduct necessary evaluations conveniently and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Folkston, GA
At Accredited Drug Testing, we prioritize a straightforward, confidential process for individuals undergoing drug testing in Folkston, GA. Our streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns, making ordering, undertaking, and receiving results seamless and discreet.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Folkston, GA
Our competitive pricing structures, combined with quick turnaround times, make hair follicle testing in Folkston, GA an excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of our services, ensuring peace of mind in organizational testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Folkston, GA
Experience the precision of hair follicle drug tests in Folkston, GA. These tests excel in promptly detecting substance use, providing unmatched accuracy. The meticulous process of screening ensures that results are both swift and consistent, fostering trust in the findings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Folkston, GA
Employers in Folkston, GA gain compliance advantages by utilizing hair follicle testing, fostering a drug-free environment. This approach mitigates legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, providing assurance and peace of mind through rigorous testing standards.
