Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance use, including alcohol. It offers an extended history of drug and alcohol consumption by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. Collecting hair near the scalp can provide an approximately three-month retrospective detection period for substances. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively resistant to alteration, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and panels exceeding ten, a sample weight of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring is recommended. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent mass of body hair can be harvested. When referring to head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses various other types (like facial or armpit hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results encompasses four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a specimen into a laboratory’s workflow. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes requisite data entry absent in electronic custody systems.
Screening constitutes an initial swift check for substance abuse. While Screening efficiently rules out drug consumption in most specimens, a positive finding necessitates verification to be deemed legally valid. Specimens yielding presumptive positive results in Screening undergo further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen in other testing methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis the most challenging to execute.
Confirmatory testing for positive screening outcomes utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before required confirmation. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Nicholson, GA, surpasses traditional urine tests in several key areas. Offering superior detection accuracy, hair testing provides a reliable alternative to urine assessments. With longer detection windows and reduced chances of tampering, hair tests ensure employers receive a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history.
Employers in Nicholson, GA, appreciate hair follicle testing for its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window offers a comprehensive overview of a person's substance use history, aiding in making informed decisions. With this broad detection period, organizations can better assess potential risks related to new hires or current employees.
In Nicholson, GA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing provides unmatched reliability. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, this method offers results that are beyond question. This ensures that employers and legal systems can trust the findings, knowing they reflect a true and accurate picture of an individual's drug use history.
Accredited Drug Testing in Nicholson, GA, offers convenient nationwide testing locations, ensuring easy access to essential services. With local facilities readily available, individuals and companies can enjoy quick and hassle-free testing experiences without the inconvenience of extensive travel. Our widespread presence guarantees that quality testing is within reach.
In Nicholson, GA, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is streamlined to prioritize privacy and ease of use. Clients can rest assured that their information remains protected, and results are delivered swiftly without compromising the integrity of the process.
Accredited Drug Testing in Nicholson, GA, is committed to providing affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structure ensures excellent value for companies of all sizes, while our quick processing times deliver timely results. This combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency makes us the ideal choice for hair follicle testing needs.
In Nicholson, GA, hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision. This method ensures highly accurate detection of drug use, providing results that employers and courts can trust. The swift processing of hair samples makes it an ideal choice for those seeking timely and reliable results. By choosing hair testing, organizations gain confidence in the integrity and accuracy of the results.
Employers in Nicholson, GA, who implement hair follicle testing, achieve peace of mind through enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only reduces legal risks but also promotes a safer working environment. By choosing hair testing, companies can assure compliance while fostering a secure and productive workplace.
