Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair captures a prolonged timeline of substances by embedding biomarkers within its growing strand fibers. When secured near the scalp, hair can show a detection window of up to 3 months for substances. This type of sample is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred quantity for screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, supplementary components, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Here, head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other varieties (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing associated with drug testing involves the four primary stages of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts by integrating a sample into a lab's workflow, ensuring it was adequately sealed and sent, allocating it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any essential data not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for commonly abused substances. It is an economic method to negate drug use in most specimens, though a positive screen must be corroborated for legal validity. Positively screened samples necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
For samples showing potential positivity in Screening, further hair portions are extracted from the original collection and made ready for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), cementing hair testing’s complexity.
Verification of any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples suspected positive get washed before verification if required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes evaluation per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and holds accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite their description as "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand and omit the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
In Holly Springs, GA, hair follicle testing greatly surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests reveal evidence of substance use over a longer span. This makes them more reliable for assessing an individual's substance history comprehensively, proving invaluable for employers, courts, and rehabilitation programs seeking dependable and extensive drug use analysis.
Hair follicle testing in Holly Springs, GA offers an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This broader timeframe provides employers with detailed insights into an employee's or applicant's past substance use. By examining longer periods, hair tests create a more complete drug history, aiding employers in making informed decisions regarding potential hires or maintaining workforce integrity.
In Holly Springs, GA, hair follicle testing is lauded for its tamper-resistant characteristics. By significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration, this method ensures reliable, indisputable results. The observed collection process used by hair testing makes it virtually impossible to cheat, providing employers, courts, and substance abuse programs with a foolproof alternative to traditional drug testing methods.
Our convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Holly Springs, GA make hair follicle testing accessible. Accredited Drug Testing ensures quick, hassle-free access to services across the country, allowing individuals and businesses to easily locate testing locations. This ease of access underscores our commitment to customer convenience and swift processing of test requests.
The process for hair follicle testing in Holly Springs, GA is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering and receiving test results is straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease of use. Clients can trust that their personal information is secure, while receiving accurate assessments in a user-friendly manner. This focus on privacy and efficiency meets the needs of individuals and organizations alike.
In Holly Springs, GA, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates provide excellent value, making it an attractive choice for businesses of any size. By ensuring cost-effective services without compromising on quality, we provide peace of mind to companies looking to implement thorough and timely drug testing policies.
Hair follicle drug tests in Holly Springs, GA ensure fast, accurate, and reliable results. Known for their precision, these tests detect substance use with remarkable accuracy. Unlike other methods, hair testing avoids sample contamination, thus guaranteeing trustworthy outcomes swiftly. This efficiency is vital for employers and substance abuse professionals seeking prompt and valid assessments.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Holly Springs, GA helps employers maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, this testing method aligns with employment regulations and standards. This assures both employers and employees of a fair, secure, and productive work environment, crucial for maintaining corporate integrity and employee trust.