Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longitudinal record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and can be easily transported.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hairs (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial testing and confirming results. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10 items, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial intake of a sample into a lab's system. This step confirms that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary check for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is an economical approach for dismissing drug use in most specimens, a positive finding must be verified to be legally viable. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample exhibits a tentative positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex methodology to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with tentative positive results are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair drug testing to traditional urine tests in Hillcrest, GA, hair testing proves superior due to its detailed detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can identify substance use over an extended period, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual’s drug history. This advantage makes hair tests the preferred choice for thorough evaluations, especially within stringent testing standards.
Hair follicle tests excel in their capacity to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, in Hillcrest, GA. This long detection window allows employers to gain a complete understanding of an applicant or current employee's substance usage history. Such comprehensive insights are crucial for maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace environment.
Within Hillcrest, GA, hair follicle testing represents a robust method that significantly lowers the chances of sample adulteration. This tamper-resistant process ensures that the results are dependable and beyond question, providing a strong foundation for informed decision-making and reinforcing trust in the testing outcomes.
Convenience is at the forefront in Hillcrest, GA, with our widespread testing locations. Our nationwide and local centers enable quick, straightforward, and stress-free access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring clients can receive necessary testing with minimal hassle, wherever they are situated.
Our process in Hillcrest, GA, is designed to be simple and confidential, from ordering to testing and receiving results. This approach addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, so clients can have confidence in a secure and straightforward testing experience that respects their confidentiality.
In Hillcrest, GA, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing both affordable and efficient. These advantages provide exceptional value and reassurance for companies of all sizes, highlighting an attractive balance between cost-effectiveness and timely results delivery.
In Hillcrest, GA, hair follicle drug testing offers rapid, accurate, and dependable outcomes. This method stands out for its precision and speed, ensuring that every test result reflects a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use. The proficiency of hair tests not only delivers quick results but also guarantees that employers can trust the integrity of the data provided.
In Hillcrest, GA, hair follicle testing offers employers compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies through hair testing, companies can diminish legal risks and cultivate a secure work environment. This method underscores a commitment to safety and lawfulness, aligning with corporate objectives and regulations.
