Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hawkinsville, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken close to the scalp, they allow for the detection of substances over a period of up to 90 days. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, making it the optimal quantity for both initial screening and further confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. Should scalp hair be lacking, equivalent amounts of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other variations (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The four primary steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is incorporated into a lab's system. This phase verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic documentation system.

Screening provides an initial inspection for common drugs. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be validated for court acceptance. Samples showing potential positive results during Screening require additional verification.

If a Screening indicates potential positives, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis considerably complex to execute.

To confirm a positive screening, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. This entire lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, aligns with both CAP Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certifications.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests trace drug use for up to 90 days, surpassing the briefer detection period of urine tests.
• Hard to manipulate: Altering the results of a hair drug test is very challenging, improving accuracy.
• Tracks historical use: It offers a drug usage pattern over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It takes 5-7 days post-use for substances to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically have higher costs compared to other testing types.
• Results variation: Factors such as hair pigmentation and growth rate differences may influence metabolite levels.

Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests," these analyze the strand itself not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Hawkinsville, GA, hair follicle tests have proven superior to traditional urinalysis. With their ability to detect substances over a long period, hair tests provide a clearer assessment of drug habits than urine tests. This method offers enhanced detection accuracy, making it a preferred choice for employers who prioritize a drug-free workplace, as urine tests may miss recent substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Hawkinsville, GA, shines with its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This broad window gives employers a broader view of an individual's history of substance use, proving invaluable in making informed hiring decisions or maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Hawkinsville, GA, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method, substantially lowering the risk of sample manipulation. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests preserve the integrity of results, ensuring employers and individuals receive unquestionable and reliable data, enhancing trust in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessibility in Hawkinsville, GA, is made easy with our nationwide testing locations. This convenience ensures testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free, allowing for individuals and businesses to conduct tests without geographic restraints, promoting timely and effective substance evaluation.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Hawkinsville, GA, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, every step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use. This addresses concerns about intrusive procedures, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing in Hawkinsville, GA, our hair follicle testing services promise competitive rates aligned with fast turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value for companies, ensuring peace of mind without stretching the budget, making high-quality testing accessible for businesses of diverse sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Hawkinsville, GA, hair follicle drug testing is known for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method excels in precision, ensuring illegal substances are detected with high accuracy. With hair follicle tests, the turnaround time is faster, giving employers and individuals prompt answers and peace of mind regarding substance use assessments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Hawkinsville, GA, gain compliance and peace of mind from hair follicle testing. Utilizing this method aligns with workplace policies promoting a drug-free environment. This not only mitigates legal risks but also bolsters workplace safety and well-being, contributing to a more productive and secure work setting.

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