Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. This technique captures a prolonged history of drug and alcohol presence by embedding biomarkers within the hair as it grows. When hair is clipped near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use over a rough span of three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, extended panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. The sample should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" pertains to scalp hair exclusively, whereas "body hair" covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure of lab testing drug results encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, confirming its proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any data not already provided electronically.
Screening conducts an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening efficiently excludes drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive initial result necessitates confirmation to be legally defensible. Positive indications in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
With a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is gathered for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), which is why hair testing is among the most intricate methods to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques verify any positive results from screening. All presumptive positives undergo cleansing before confirmation if needed. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and conforms to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the technology actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Monticello, GA: Hair testing offers enhanced detection capabilities when compared to traditional urine tests. Its superior reliability and accuracy make it the preferred choice for stakeholders needing credible substance use assessments. This testing method provides a deeper insight, offering a substantial advantage over urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Monticello, GA underscores the value of hair follicle testing by capturing drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview empowers employers, showcasing an applicant or employee’s long-term substance history far beyond the short window of urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Monticello, GA positions hair follicle tests as an industry leader in reducing sample alteration risks. This method guarantees dependable and indisputable outcomes, sidestepping manipulation found in other drug testing types like urine analysis.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Monticello, GA emphasize our network's convenience. With widespread testing centers, clients have quick and hassle-free access to services, ensuring a seamless and efficient testing experience nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Monticello, GA ensures a straightforward and private approach to ordering, administering, and receiving test results. Our processes address privacy concerns adeptly, making the testing experience easy and secure for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Monticello, GA reassure clients with competitive pricing and swift result delivery. Our structure offers great value, catering to organizations of various sizes while delivering peace of mind with our rapid and cost-effective service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Monticello, GA highlight the superior speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests. With a commitment to meticulous accuracy, these tests are able to precisely identify substance use, ensuring that clients receive trustworthy results quickly and efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Monticello, GA: Hair follicle testing helps employers maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal liabilities while also boosting workplace safety. This method ensures organizational compliance and offers peace of mind.
