Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mcdonough, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can detect alcohol and drugs for up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the ideal amount for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair can’t be acquired, a similar volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The processing of a drug test in a lab involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the laboratory system. This includes checking that it was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain.

Screening is a preliminary check for substance misuse. While it's economical for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive result here needs confirmation for legal acceptance. Any sample that tests positive in Screening requires further verification.

Should a sample appear positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva)—hence, hair drug testing is the most challenging analysis to conduct.

Confirmation of positive results from Screening is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples testing positive are washed before confirmation if needed. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair tests track drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have shorter detection periods.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair test is tough, enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides historical data: It can reveal long-term drug use trends, not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs do not appear in hair for approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Cost: Hair tests are typically pricier than other testing techniques.
• Variations in results: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth patterns can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in McDonough, GA, hair tests provide a distinct advantage due to their longer detection periods. This increased accuracy benefits employers with zero-tolerance policies by reducing potential loopholes and providing a more thorough assessment.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in McDonough, GA, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, a significant advantage over other testing methods. This allows employers to gain a broader understanding of substance use behaviors, aiding in informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in McDonough, GA, are known for their tamper-resistant nature, minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. This security ensures results are reliable and unquestionable, supporting valid conclusions in substance use detection.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide centers and local sites in McDonough, GA, accessing drug testing services is both convenient and hassle-free, ensuring quick and easy access for all testing needs. Our comprehensive network ensures prompt service, enhancing user experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair testing process in McDonough, GA, is simple and confidential. From order to result, each step is designed to be private and straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use throughout the testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In McDonough, GA, our drug testing services offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering great value for businesses. This combination ensures we meet diverse company needs efficiently, providing peace of mind and economic satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

McDonough, GA, offers fast and accurate hair follicle drug tests, ensuring results you can trust. Known for their reliability, these tests efficiently detect various substances with high precision, surpassing other methods in reliability and speed, establishing them as the preferred choice for accurate detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in McDonough, GA, can find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This enhances employee safety and reduces legal risk, creating a secure and efficient work environment.

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