Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an efficient instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of up to about 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent portion of body hair can be gathered. Here, head hair indicates only scalp hair. Body hair covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab procedure of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court acceptability. Samples suggestively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In case of a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than via other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing one of the most complicated methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome is done by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All seemingly positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is on the hair strand and not on the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fowlstown, GA
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine exams, the benefits for detection are clear. Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability, particularly in Fowlstown, GA. With a longer detection window, it provides a more comprehensive picture of substance use, outperforming urine tests in terms of detection scope.
Extended Detection Window in Fowlstown, GA
Hair follicle testing in Fowlstown, GA, excels in offering an extended detection window, capturing drug use history over up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe allows employers to evaluate a person's substance use history more thoroughly, ultimately supporting informed decisions about prospective or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fowlstown, GA
The hair follicle test is known for minimizing the risk of sample tampering. In Fowlstown, GA, this test method ensures the integrity of results, providing reliable and indisputable findings. Its inherent design makes it difficult to alter or falsify, thus assuring stakeholders of its dependability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Fowlstown, GA
Our extensive network of testing centers offers unparalleled convenience across the nation, including in Fowlstown, GA. These locations ensure that individuals and organizations can access prompt and seamless testing services without the hassle, emphasizing ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fowlstown, GA
The process of hair follicle testing in Fowlstown, GA, is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to taking and receiving results, the procedure is designed to be user-friendly while safeguarding individual privacy, ensuring a smooth experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fowlstown, GA
In Fowlstown, GA, our hair follicle testing services are characterized by competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. We offer excellent value for organizations of all sizes, ensuring results that are not only quick but also cost-effective, providing peace of mind alongside financial advantages.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fowlstown, GA
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. In Fowlstown, GA, these tests are noted for their highly accurate detection of substance use, offering rapid and dependable results. The advanced methodologies used ensure precision, making them a valuable tool for detecting ongoing substance abuse.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fowlstown, GA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers in Fowlstown, GA, maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal exposure and enhances workforce safety, granting peace of mind by confirming adherence to necessary standards and regulations.
