Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing has gained recognition. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is effortless, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable body hair amount may be retrieved. Reference to head hair strictly means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. It involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data tasks absent in an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening consists of an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is economically efficient for precluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Positive screening outcome confirmation is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab 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: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
The hair follicle test in Mineral Bluff, GA, outshines the traditional urine test with its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are limited in scope, hair tests offer a broader detection period and deliver more comprehensive results. These features make them ideal for organizations determined to maintain stringent drug-free policies, ensuring a safer working environment.
Hair follicle testing in Mineral Bluff, GA, provides an extended window of detection. It tracks drug use over a period of up to 90 days, giving employers a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. This long-term view aids in making informed decisions regarding employment eligibility, ensuring a trustworthy and reliable workforce.
One of the compelling strengths of hair follicle testing in Mineral Bluff, GA, is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, this approach significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring authentic and credible results. This reliability empowers employers, providing assurance and confidence in test proceedings and outcomes.
Offering convenience in Mineral Bluff, GA, and nationwide, our testing centers are strategically placed for easy access. This allows for quick and hassle-free drug testing services, accommodating both local and remote clients. The wide network ensures that quality testing is within reach, no matter where you are situated.
In Mineral Bluff, GA, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. From ordering the test to sample collection and result reception, every step prioritizes confidentiality and ease. This user-friendly procedure addresses privacy concerns, making the testing experience smooth and unobtrusive for all participants.
In Mineral Bluff, GA, our hair follicle testing services are priced competitively, offering excellent value without sacrificing quality or speed. With quick turnaround times, we ensure that businesses of all sizes can affordably access premium drug testing solutions, thus fostering confidence and maintaining workplace integrity without financial strain.
In Mineral Bluff, GA, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their remarkable precision and efficiency. These tests boast high accuracy, making them the preferred choice for detecting substance use. Such reliability ensures quicker decision-making, aiding employers in maintaining productive workplaces, free from substance misuse, while delivering results fast, without compromising on precision.
In Mineral Bluff, GA, employing hair follicle tests supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach minimizes legal threats and fosters a safer work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their staff adheres to required standards, mitigating risks associated with substance misuse and enhancing overall business well-being.
