Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and other drug use by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. Referring to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab analysis of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid check for drugs of misuse. Although Screening serves as an economical approach to exclude drug use in most instances, a positive screening must be confirmed to be legally defensible. Samples with presumptive positive Screenings necessitate subsequent confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and set for Extraction. This step involves retrieving drugs from hair at a far lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as deemed necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lithia Springs, GA
Comparing hair and urine tests showcases hair analysis as superior for drug detection.
Extended Detection Window in Lithia Springs, GA
Hair follicle testing extends drug use detection for up to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lithia Springs, GA
Hair tests are notably resistant to tampering, ensuring reliable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lithia Springs, GA
Our centers are widespread, offering hassle-free testing access nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lithia Springs, GA
Ordering and receiving test results is simple and confidential.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lithia Springs, GA
Our pricing is competitive, ensuring value and peace of mind for all companies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lithia Springs, GA
Hair follicle drug tests in Lithia Springs deliver unmatched precision and swiftness in substance detection.
Their high accuracy is unparalleled in identifying drug and alcohol use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lithia Springs, GA
Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
