Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is highly regarded as an effective mechanism for identifying both alcohol and drug use. Hair captures a long-range record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, it can offer up to around a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp delivers 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or extensive tests over 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advisable. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal portion of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary procedures for integrating a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional required data not in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a fast preliminary check for the presence of drugs. Although a cost-effective measure to discount drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally valid. Samples that yield a preliminary positive require further Confirmation.
For presumptive positives in Screening, hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence why hair drug testing represents the most complex methodology.
Positive screening confirmations apply GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before Confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing where necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Midway, GA, hair follicle tests are gaining preference over urine tests. Their extended detection and reliability surpass the traditional methods. Hair testing captures a broader substance history, ensuring detection accuracy. Comparatively, urine tests are limited in duration, making hair tests the superior choice for comprehensive evaluations.
In Midway, GA, the extended detection period of hair follicle testing, up to 90 days, provides employers with a fuller picture of a candidate's substance history. This long-term insight aids in making informed hiring decisions, ensuring a safe and compliant workforce while significantly extending the scope over standard drug test periods.
In Midway, GA, the hair follicle testing method offers a tamper-resistant approach that helps ensure the authenticity of the sample provided. This testing significantly diminishes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring accurate and trustworthy results, thus fostering a more reliable screening process for all stakeholders involved.
The accessibility of numerous testing sites in Midway, GA and nationwide ensures convenience for all users. These widespread centers offer quick and straightforward access to testing services, making the overall process seamless and hassle-free for individuals and companies alike seeking thorough and efficient drug screenings.
In Midway, GA, the hair testing process is straightforward, offering confidentiality and ease. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the process is designed to respect privacy and simplicity. This approach alleviates concerns, ensuring users experience a smooth and discreet testing journey.
Midway, GA provides competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, marrying affordability with swift results delivery. This fast turnaround coupled with cost-effective options makes it a prudent choice for businesses, ensuring value and efficiency meet the needs of organizations of varying scales.
Midway, GA benefits from hair follicle testing, quick and precise, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use. This method's advantage lies in its ability to give speedy, yet dependable outcomes, ensuring that substance history is correctly addressed. Employers and individuals alike rely on these tests for their high precision and prompt turnaround.
Using hair follicle tests in Midway, GA helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only supports adhering to best practices but also diminishes legal risks, improving overall safety and integrity of the workplace environment, giving employers peace of mind.
