Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. The extended history it offers is due to biomarkers captured within the fibers of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can showcase a substance detection period stretching up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Its collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial analysis and verification. For EtG, additional drugs, or broader tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing at the laboratory entails four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial processing phase of introducing a sample to the lab’s system. This step involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary, rapid assessment for drug substances. While cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening must be verified to be legally acceptable. Samples that test presumptively positive require additional confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, substances are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp
In Morrow, GA, hair follicle testing stands out against conventional urine testing. The benefits are clear: superior detection accuracy extends the window in which substance use is identifiable to up to 90 days. Additionally, hair tests are considered more reliable since they are less susceptible to tampering and provide a clearer view of a person's drug-use habits. Traditional urine tests fall short, detecting recent drug use but missing long-term patterns.
In Morrow, GA, one of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period. Employers gain valuable insights into an applicant's or employee's drug use over 90 days. This comprehensive detection window allows businesses to make informed decisions, ensuring they are aware of any past substance use that might affect workplace safety. Such extensive timelines provide reassurance in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle tests, in Morrow, GA, significantly curb the potential for tampering, offering a resilient method of drug testing. Unlike urine tests, where individuals might find ways to alter results, hair samples are inherently protected from adulteration.
This reliability ensures that the results are unequivocal and trustworthy, providing both testers and employers peace of mind when evaluating substance use.
Morrow, GA residents benefit from convenient access to our testing services due to our extensive network of testing centers. Nationwide, our facilities support hassle-free drug testing experiences. The local availability ensures that obtaining a hair follicle test is quick and convenient. Ease of access remains a priority, with locations readily accessible for all, fostering streamlined testing for individuals and businesses alike.
In Morrow, GA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and convenience. Clients can expect a straightforward experience, where concerns about confidentiality are addressed, ensuring that all procedures adhere to the utmost privacy standards while keeping the process user-friendly.
With competitive pricing in Morrow, GA, our hair follicle testing offers great value and speedy service. Companies of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective pricing structures, ensuring that quality drug testing is accessible without financial strain. The fast turnaround of results emphasizes efficiency, allowing businesses to make timely decisions with confidence.
Hair follicle drug tests in Morrow, GA bring together both speed and accuracy. This method ensures prompt results without sacrificing precision in detecting substance intake. Efficient testing caters to urgent inquiries, providing rapid insights into a person's drug use history.
The accuracy of hair testing is unparalleled, making it a preferred choice for identifying substance use decisively and effectively.
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in Morrow, GA in maintaining drug-free work environments. By adhering to compliance standards, companies minimize legal exposures and enhance safety. Peace of mind arises from knowing that employees are screened through a method that supports corporate and legal objectives. This approach reflects a company’s commitment to upholding a safe, productive workplace.
