Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances due to the entrapment of biomarkers within the fiber structure of the hair as it grows. Proximal hair can provide a detection span of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs when sampled near the scalp. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We advocate utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary phases of laboratory processing for drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing within a laboratory environment. This step ensures proper sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entails any additional manual data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for potential drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug consumption for numerous samples, any positive indication necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives identified in Screening are subject to subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other procedures (such as urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of a positive screen is verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Musella, GA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing. Why? Hair tests provide superior accuracy and reliability when detecting drug use. Unlike urine testing, which typically detects recent usage, hair testing can uncover a larger window of substance use, providing a clearer picture of an individual's drug habits.
Employers in Musella, GA benefit from hair follicle testing’s extended detection window, with the ability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This prolonged period offers a detailed overview of an individual’s history, crucial for making informed employment decisions and ensuring safer workplaces.
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Musella, GA is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, providing trustworthy and unquestionable results. Such reliability is essential for maintaining integrity and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including locations in Musella, GA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures quick, easy, and accessible services. This widespread availability allows individuals and organizations to access testing services without hassle, facilitating simplified and efficient drug testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing in Musella, GA offers a process that is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is designed with ease of use and privacy in mind. This confidentiality ensures individuals are comfortable throughout the procedure, knowing their information is secure.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times are a hallmark of Accredited Drug Testing in Musella, GA. The competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value for companies regardless of size, while the swift results provide peace of mind, making drug testing accessible and efficient for all employers.
Hair follicle drug testing in Musella, GA is known for producing fast, accurate, and reliable results. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques, these tests excel in identifying substance use with unmatched precision and speed. This ensures that individuals and entities receive results that are trustworthy, aiding them in making informed decisions.
For employers in Musella, GA, hair follicle testing ensures both compliance and peace of mind. By conforming to workplace drug-free policies, businesses can decrease legal risks and enhance safety. This testing method helps maintain a productive work environment, reducing the potential for workplace incidents related to substance misuse.