Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Johns Creek, GA

What it is, How it works

The detection of drug and alcohol use has greatly benefited from hair testing. This method offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand fibers. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, it is not easy to tamper with, and it can be easily transported.

To achieve the ideal sample for screening and verification, a 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp should be collected, providing about 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. It is important to note that head hair refers only to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system takes place. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse detection. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in the majority of cases, a positive result requires validation to be legally admissible. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

In instances where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.

Positive screening results are ultimately confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Compared to urine tests, hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days.
• Hard to deceive: Due to its nature, a hair drug test is difficult to manipulate, resulting in more precise outcomes.
• Historical insights: It supplies data on drug use patterns over an extended timeframe, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs typically become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are more costly compared to other testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Johns Creek, GA
Hair testing is superior, offering unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability when compared to traditional urine tests. With zero-tolerance policies, employers prefer hair tests due to their longer detection period and difficulty to bypass, ensuring a safer and drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Johns Creek, GA
Hair follicle tests boast a detection period extending up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a broader perspective of a person's substance use history, providing valuable insights into long-term behavior, thus aiding in making more informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Johns Creek, GA
Hair tests significantly reduce possibilities of sample tampering, ensuring results are genuine and reliable. This method's robustness in maintaining sample integrity offers an advantage over other testing types, ensuring peace of mind and trust in outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Johns Creek, GA
The nationwide presence of testing centers guarantees easy access to testing services. Local availability ensures that anyone in Johns Creek can seamlessly engage with our services for rapid and efficient testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Johns Creek, GA
The hair testing process is straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the entire sequence is made uncomplicated, ensuring confidentiality and ease for all concerned parties.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Johns Creek, GA
Our competitive pricing and swift processing make hair follicle testing an attractive choice for any organization. These attributes provide excellent value, ensuring timely results without compromising on cost-effectiveness.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Johns Creek, GA
Hair follicle testing provides quick and precise results, detecting substance use with unmatched accuracy. This method ensures that results are both timely and reliable, offering peace of mind for testers. The efficiency of hair testing stands out in rapidly delivering the necessary results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Johns Creek, GA
Hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. Employers benefit from the reliability and comprehensive nature of this testing method, reinforcing organizational standards.

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