Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term records of alcohol and drugs by sealing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which serves as the optimal sample for assessment and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we refer to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in the lab process of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an affordable method to eliminate drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is collected from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is deemed the most challenging approach to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples hinting at positivity are cleansed before confirmation, as required. The entire lab approach from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis specifically targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Norwood, GA, surpasses traditional urine testing by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. This method's superior ability to capture long-term substance use patterns makes it invaluable. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a broader detection window, resulting in more comprehensive assessments.
Hair follicle testing in Norwood, GA, captures drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. This expanded window allows for a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate or employee's drug use behavior.
In Norwood, GA, the hair follicle test is lauded for its resilience against tampering, ensuring reliable and indisputable results. This method's robust design minimizes the risk of adulteration, making it a trustworthy choice for organizations seeking dependable drug testing solutions.
Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive convenience with nationwide and local testing centers, including in Norwood, GA. This network ensures efficient, accessible, and hassle-free drug testing, catering to diverse needs across various regions.
Our clients in Norwood, GA, appreciate the straightforward and confidential approach of the hair follicle testing process. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results are seamless, maintaining user privacy and boosting confidence in the testing experience.
In Norwood, GA, we provide affordable pricing and swift test result delivery, ensuring businesses of all sizes benefit from outstanding value and reassurance in their drug testing regimen. Competitive rates and fast turnaround times underpin our commitment to client satisfaction.
In Norwood, GA, hair follicle drug testing stands out with its remarkable precision and speed. The advanced method ensures high accuracy, effectively identifying substance use over time. Rapid result processing allows stakeholders to make informed decisions without delays, enhancing the overall efficiency of drug testing programs.
Employers in Norwood, GA, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing's alignment with drug-free workplace policies. This method supports compliance, reducing legal liabilities while promoting a safe work environment, thus enhancing both operational and safety standards.
