Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair accumulates biomarkers through the strands as it grows, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal usage of drugs and alcohol over a period of up to 3 months. It is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Obtaining a sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil), will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification purposes. For additional EtG assessments and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test outcome laboratory processing comprises four central steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system initially. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning an unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is economical for ruling out drug usage in the vast majority of samples, a positive Screening outcome must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a Screening stage sample is presumed positive, more hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenging nature of hair drug analysis.
Any presumptively positive result is validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Required presumptive positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Kirkland, GA, hair follicle testing is superior to conventional urine tests due to its notable benefits. Employers and relevant authorities appreciate the improved detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing detects a broader range of substances over an extended period, making it an excellent choice for enforcing substance abuse policies and ensuring workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing in Kirkland, GA provides an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug residue for up to 90 days. This method offers employers comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use history.
With such a broad detection range, it becomes easier for companies to make informed decisions about hiring or retaining individuals based on comprehensive, long-term substance use data.
The hair follicle test stands out in Kirkland, GA due to its tamper-resistant nature, significantly curtailing the chance of sample cheatings such as dilution or substitution. This provides highly reliable results.
As the test is directly extracted from hair strands, adulteration is exceptionally challenging, ensuring that the outcomes are deemed credible and trustworthy.
Our testing services in Kirkland, GA are part of a nationwide network, providing convenient and accessible locations for hair follicle testing. This extensive network ensures a streamlined testing process.
The testing process in Kirkland, GA is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and simplicity.
In Kirkland, GA, our hair follicle testing services boast competitive pricing and prompt result delivery. Our pricing structure is designed to fit businesses of varying sizes.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Kirkland, GA is renowned for its precision and rapid delivery of results. Its enhanced accuracy ensures that any substance use is effectively detected.
Employers and legal professionals can rely heavily on this method to confirm abstinence or detect substance abuse patterns quickly, ensuring immediate and informed decisions can be made precisely and timely.
Employers in Kirkland, GA benefit from hair follicle testing as it aids in compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. This proactive approach mitigates legal liabilities and promotes a safer working environment.
By implementing such tests, businesses can maintain a secure workspace, ensuring peace of mind and security for both employees and employers.