Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced close to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. It is ideal to utilize a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent weight of body hair can be utilized. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry aside from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary, rapid assessment for abusive substances. While Screening serves as an economical method for excluding drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen mandates confirmation to be admissible legally. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This phase extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Lakeland, GA: Hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests. Notably, hair tests provide more accurate results over a longer detection window, enhancing trust and reliability in substance screening.
Unlike urine tests that cover a shorter timeframe, hair testing captures a comprehensive record of substance use, becoming a preferred choice for many seeking assurance in results.
Extended Detection Window in Lakeland, GA: Hair follicle tests offer an impressive detection period of up to 90 days, giving employers detailed insights into an individual's substance use history over an extended timeframe.
Providing a full spectrum view of past drug use, hair tests empower employers to make informed decisions regarding the well-being and safety of their workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Lakeland, GA: Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the risk of sample tampering. This robust method ensures that the outcomes are reliable and void of manipulation.
By utilizing this resilient testing approach, organizations receive unquestionable results, bolstering confidence in the accuracy and legitimacy of drug test reports.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide and Locally in Lakeland, GA: Our wide network of testing centers ensures accessible, hassle-free drug testing services across the nation, including in Lakeland, GA.
With our local presence, clients can easily access testing venues, streamlining the process for faster and more efficient service delivery, no matter where they are situated.
Simple and Confidential Process in Lakeland, GA: The hair testing process is straightforward, offering easy ordering, sampling, and result retrieval while safeguarding privacy.
Clients benefit from a transparent, user-friendly experience, ensuring that their personal information remains confidential throughout every step of the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Lakeland, GA: Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value for companies, coupled with rapid turnaround times for test results.
Organizations of all sizes gain from this economical solution, receiving quality service quickly, aligning with budgetary constraints while maintaining high-quality standards.
Rapid and Precise Testing in Lakeland, GA: Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy. Detecting drug use with high precision, these tests are processed swiftly, ensuring that you receive trustworthy results in a timely manner.
With a streamlined process, hair testing in Lakeland delivers fast, dependable outcomes, minimizing wait times while maintaining a high level of analytical integrity, crucial for quick decision-making.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Lakeland, GA: Hair follicle testing assures adherence to workplace drug policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing the safety environment at work.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are utilizing a testing method that not only meets compliance standards but also reinforces a commitment to a drug-free workplace.
