Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the same as a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we’re specifically referring to scalp hair only. Body hair comprises all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a primary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive screening result needs confirmation to be permissible in court. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed 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 commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mershon, GA:
Hair testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests. With higher detection accuracy and reliability, hair follicle tests in Mershon, GA, ensure a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, unmatched by urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Mershon, GA:
Hair follicle testing excels with a detection window of up to 90 days, capturing an extensive history of drug usage. This prolonged window gives employers in Mershon, GA, an expansive view of an applicant or employee's substance habits, aiding informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mershon, GA:
Hair follicle testing minimizes the chance of sample tampering, delivering dependable and irrefutable results. In Mershon, GA, this testing method ensures that sample integrity remains uncompromised, fostering trust in the findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mershon, GA:
Our network of testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Mershon, GA, offers swift, convenient access to testing services, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mershon, GA:
Hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. In Mershon, GA, ordering, participating, and receiving results is simple and discreet, addressing users' concerns about privacy and user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mershon, GA:
Competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround define our services, offering significant value. In Mershon, GA, businesses of any size can benefit from cost-effective solutions without compromising speed or assurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mershon, GA:
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests set them apart, offering exceptional accuracy in detecting substance usage. In Mershon, GA, these tests provide results promptly, ensuring that the detection process is not only thorough but also efficient.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mershon, GA:
Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with workplace drug policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. Employers in Mershon, GA, benefit from the peace of mind this reliable method provides.
