Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective means to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a detailed history of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to gauge the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair may be gathered. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into the lab's processes. This includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for drugs. While efficient in ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be court-ready. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a confirmatory analysis.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other measures (urine or oral fluid), signifying the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screen is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination is carried out on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Leesburg, GA
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing lies in its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests have a prolonged tracing period, allowing for comprehensive assessment of substance use history.
While urine testing is common, hair follicle tests deliver more reliable results by capturing a wider timeframe of drug usage, offering employers a clearer view of potential employees' drug habits.
Extended Detection Window in Leesburg, GA
Hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection period of substance use that spans up to 90 days, far surpassing the typical timeframe of other testing methods. This enables employers to garner a broader understanding of an individual's drug use history.
For employers, this lengthy detection duration is vital, as it reveals repeat usage patterns, thus offering a substantial edge in screening prospective or current employees effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Leesburg, GA
Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant method of drug screening, drastically lowering the chances of sample adulteration and ensuring integrity of results. Unlike other tests, it’s near impossible to alter hair samples.
This resistance to tampering assures employers of the credibility of test outcomes, thus fostering a reliable drug-free work environment without the fear of manipulated results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Leesburg, GA
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Leesburg, GA, offers easy and convenient access to drug testing services.
These centrally located facilities ensure a seamless, hassle-free testing experience, whether for pre-employment screening or regular staff assessments, simplifying the process for employers and employees alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Leesburg, GA
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Leesburg, GA is straightforward and ensures complete confidentiality, meeting privacy concerns head-on.
This simplicity and assurance of privacy make the testing process amenable to individuals and employers alike, ensuring that personal data remains secure while facilitating easy access to important drug test results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Leesburg, GA
We offer competitive pricing structures alongside rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests, providing significant value for businesses regardless of their size.
Our affordable rates and swift results ensure that Leesburg, GA companies can maintain their drug-free policies without breaking the bank, delivering both peace of mind and excellent financial value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Leesburg, GA
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise detection of substance use, significantly enhancing the reliability of test results compared to other methods. The accuracy and speed of these tests make them ideal for employers seeking quick and trustworthy drug screening solutions.
With a robust detection capability, hair testing ensures that any traces of drugs are accurately identified, providing employers with the confidence they need in their drug screening process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Leesburg, GA
Implementing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safer work atmosphere. Employers gain confidence in their compliance and security.
This testing method reinforces policy compliance and considerably enhances workplace safety, securing peace of mind for employers concerned with maintaining a drug-free environment.
