Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing of hair is now viewed as a potent instrument for identifying use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a chronic record of substance use by trapping indicators within the fibers of the growing strands. When sampled near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage for a period of up to three months. Hair is easy to collect, tricky to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. The specimen should ideally be weighed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair should be collected. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab system. This stage includes validating the sample's sealing and shipment, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry if not provided through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts a preliminary inspection for drug traces. Although Screening efficiently eliminates non-positive samples in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drug compounds are removed from hair at reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing notably challenging.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the process actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Kensington, GA, hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests in several ways. They offer superior accuracy and are highly reliable.
While urine tests detect recent use better, hair tests cover a broader timeframe.
Hair follicle testing in Kensington, GA, reveals substance use over an extensive timeframe.
Tests cover up to 90 days, offering employers valuable insights.Understanding an individual's drug history becomes seamless.
In Kensington, GA, hair follicle testing guards against tampering effectively.
The integrity of results is upheld, offering reliable data.Employers gain confidence in the authenticity of test results.
Kensington, GA residents benefit from convenient nationwide testing sites.
The abundant locations ensure swift, easy access to testing services.Our centers prioritize user convenience and efficiency.
Our testing process in Kensington, GA, offers simplicity and confidentiality.
Ordering, taking tests, and receiving results is straightforward.Our approach respects privacy and ease of use.
Kensington, GA employers enjoy affordable tests with quick turnaround times.
Competitive pricing ensures value and peace of mind.Our cost-effective solutions cater to businesses of every size.
Hair follicle drug tests in Kensington, GA, prove to be both swift and precise.
The procedure accurately identifies substance usage, ensuring minimal delay.The rapid processing of samples distinguishes hair tests as a reliable choice.
For Kensington, GA employers, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug policies.
This method enhances workplace security while mitigating legal threats.Safety and adherence to regulations are prioritized.
