Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a prolonged record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug presence for up to about a 3-month period. It's straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, it's advised to gather 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we are solely referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps in processing a lab drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing as it enters a lab’s system. This process confirms that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry that might be missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage in most cases, any positive screen must be validated for court purposes. Samples that show a presumptive positive require a secondary confirmation.
For samples that appear positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most challenging methodology to perform.
Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation when needed. The lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair shaft, not the follicle below the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle to urine tests in Menlo, GA, the former emerges as superior. Hair testing boasts enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, revealing substance use over a more extended period. This offers a clear advantage for employers aiming for thorough assessments, ensuring they receive comprehensive insights into drug use.
Menlo, GA benefits from hair follicle testing's expansive detection window, covering substance use over a period of up to 90 days. This prolonged timeframe provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an individual's drug history, surpassing the capabilities of more traditional tests and offering a well-rounded picture of prior usage.
With hair follicle testing in Menlo, GA, the risk of sample manipulation is greatly diminished. This method stands out with its resistance to tampering, ensuring that the outcomes are both trustworthy and definitive. It provides a degree of assurance that other testing methods may struggle to match.
Accessing hair follicle testing in Menlo, GA, is convenient thanks to nationwide and local testing centers. This setup promises quick, straightforward access to testing services, eliminating stress and delay. The widespread availability ensures that individuals and companies can engage with the process effortlessly.
In Menlo, GA, the process of hair follicle testing is both straightforward and discreet. From ordering to result retrieval, the procedure maintains confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns. Its simplicity ensures ease for users, fostering smooth interactions and reducing anxiety regarding personal information.
Companies in Menlo, GA, appreciate the competitive pricing of hair follicle testing, matched with speed in result delivery. The cost-effectiveness, along with swift turnaround, offers great value, catering to businesses of all sizes while ensuring budget-friendly solutions.
In Menlo, GA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and efficiency. These tests offer unmatched accuracy, allowing for the reliable detection of substance use. The speed of this testing method ensures quick results, making it a preferred choice for those seeking dependable outcomes.
Employers in Menlo, GA, achieve peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal implications and bolsters workplace safety, ensuring adherence to regulations and maintaining a secure work environment.
