Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are recognized as a potent means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The composition of hair allows for an extended timeline of drug and alcohol use by preserving biomarkers within the strands of ongoing growth. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 90-day timeframe for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) collected nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests that include more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. In reference to head hair, only scalp hair is implied, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial step of integrating a sample into the laboratory's process. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completes any data entry not supplied by an electronic custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. While it is cost-efficient and can negate drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a presumptive positive be found in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. During Extraction, substances are harvested from hair at much lower levels than methods such as urine or saliva testing, making hair drug assessments the most intricate to execute.
Confirmation of any screening that tests positive is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positives undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Hope, GA
Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. It provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, especially with its ability to identify drug use over a more extended period. Employers in New Hope, GA can benefit from the enhanced detection capabilities of hair testing to enforce stringent substance use policies.
Extended Detection Window in New Hope, GA
Hair follicle testing detects drug use for up to 90 days, offering a broader detection window than conventional tests. This extended timeframe allows employers in New Hope, GA to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, which is crucial for making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Hope, GA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration. This tamper-resistant method ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, providing peace of mind for those who require verification of substance use in New Hope, GA.
Convenient Nationwide Testing and Local Locations in New Hope, GA
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures ease and convenience for all clients. With facilities in countless locations, including New Hope, GA, quick, easy, and hassle-free access to our services is readily available for those in need.
Simple, Confidential Process in New Hope, GA
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. We address privacy and ease-of-use concerns, ensuring clients in New Hope, GA experience a stress-free and discreet service throughout the testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Hope, GA
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make our hair follicle testing services in New Hope, GA an excellent value. We support companies of all sizes with cost-effective solutions that deliver results promptly, securing confidence and peace of mind for our clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Hope, GA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in detecting substance use. This highly accurate method ensures quick and trustworthy results, making it an ideal choice for employers and individuals in New Hope, GA seeking reliable drug testing solutions that deliver conclusive findings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Hope, GA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps businesses maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and enhances safety, offering employers in New Hope, GA peace of mind with its reliable and comprehensive results.
