Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has gained reputation as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a chronic record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of nearly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both preliminary screenings and confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes any other hair type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory assessment of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial input of a sample into the lab's system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary examination to identify substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any presumptive positives from the Screening phase necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging process.
Any positive results from Screening are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before verification, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformity with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", this examination targets the hair shaft rather than the scalp's hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Girard, GA
Comparing hair and urine tests reveals the hair method's superior accuracy and credibility. Hair testing surpasses traditional urine analysis by offering a longer detection period, limiting opportunities for cheating, and providing a reliable screening method for crime prevention and workplace policies.
Extended Detection Window in Girard, GA
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection span of up to 90 days, giving employers a complete understanding of a candidate's or employee's substance use history. This comprehensive overview aids in making informed decisions based on accurate and detailed substance history records.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Girard, GA
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, ensuring the integrity of results. This method provides reliable and indisputable evidence of substance use, crucial for maintaining high standards and trustworthiness in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Girard, GA
Our widespread testing centers provide easy access and prompt service for hair follicle tests. Individuals in Girard, GA, can enjoy seamless and stress-free testing experiences with our extensive network of locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Girard, GA
Our hair follicle testing process in Girard, GA, is both straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, we ensure a secure and hassle-free experience, addressing any privacy concerns and promoting user convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Girard, GA
Our pricing structure is competitive, combined with swift turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Girard, GA. We deliver excellent value and promptly meet the needs of businesses of all scales, ensuring cost-effectiveness and swift service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Girard, GA
Hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision, offering unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests deliver results quickly, maintaining a high standard of reliability that employers in Girard, GA appreciate for its efficient detection and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Girard, GA
Employers find reassurance in hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By mitigating legal risks and fostering safer environments, this method provides businesses with regulated and secure operational practices.
