What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. It captures a detailed historical record of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing structure. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers a detection span for alcohol and other drugs reaching up to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

By acquiring a 1.5-inch hair section of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, you obtain 100mg of hair—the perfect sample size for screening and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is about the initial integration of a sample into the lab system. This phase ensures the sample was securely sealed and duly shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary inspection for substance abuse. Though a cost-efficient means to clear most samples of drug usage, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Presumptive positive samples in Screening mandate further confirmation.

In cases of presumptive positive results at the Screening phase, additional hair is sourced from the initial specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than found in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening methodologies.

Confirmation for any positive result revealed in Screening happens via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample undergoes a washing procedure before confirmation if necessary. The entirety of the laboratory course from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Long detection window: Hair drug assessments can trace drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which provide a more limited detection period.
Difficulty to cheat: Manipulating a hair drug test is quite challenging, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
Provides historical data: It offers insights into a pattern of substance use over an extended timeframe, as opposed to only recent consumption.

Limitations:

Cannot detect recent use: Drugs need about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
Cost: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than other drug testing approaches.
Variations in results: Aspects like hair color and individual discrepancies in hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites found in hair.

Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nicholls, GA.
Comparing hair tests to traditional urine testing highlights superior detection accuracy.

Greater detection timespan showcases substance use over months.
Less prone to manipulation compared to urine tests.
Highly reliable, offering a trustworthy result for employers and legal purposes.

The extended scope and integrity of hair testing make it an imperative choice.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Nicholls, GA.
Hair follicle testing offers a vast detection window of up to 90 days.

It provides employers with a detailed view of a prospective or current employee's substance use history.
This advantage over traditional methods helps in making informed hiring and retention decisions.

Knowing the long-term drug habits ensures safer and more responsible workplace environments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nicholls, GA.
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration.

Providing reliable and unquestionable results makes it a preferred choice.
Observed collection process further ensures sample integrity.

Employing such measures safeguards the testing process from manipulation, guaranteeing trustworthy results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Nicholls, GA.
Our expansive network of testing centers provides ease of access.

Ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free drug testing services across the nation.
Even within local Nicholls, GA, individuals can access necessary testing conveniently.

This nationwide and local reach simplifies the testing process for all users.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Nicholls, GA.
The hair testing process is straightforward and respects privacy.

Ordering and taking tests is seamless and user-friendly.
Receiving results in a confidential manner ensures personal data security.

Addressing concerns of ease and privacy makes the testing process compelling for individuals and organizations alike.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nicholls, GA.
Cost-effective pricing structures and swift result times make hair tests appealing.

Competitive pricing offers great value for companies of all sizes.
Quick turnaround times enhance the attractiveness of this testing method.

Businesses can rely on this efficient service to confidently make personnel decisions without budget strains.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nicholls, GA.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Nicholls, GA present a major advantage over other methods.