Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. This approach offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. By obtaining hair near the scalp, a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs is achievable. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and logistics-friendly for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands, akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil, sourced from the scalp area can yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or panels beyond ten, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. Scalp hair strictly refers to head hair, whereas body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result principally involves four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This step involves verification of proper sample sealing and shipping, assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any supplementary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to uphold its validity in a legal setting. Samples indicating potential positivity during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening suggests potential positivity, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are derived from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples identified as presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The end-to-end laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Phoenix, GA offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in terms of detection and reliability. The primary benefit lies in the extended detection period, allowing the identification of drug usage up to 90 days prior. This longer window provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, unlike urine tests that only reveal short-term use.
The reliability of hair follicle tests also surpasses that of urine tests because they are virtually tamper-proof and less susceptible to false-negative results. This higher level of accuracy ensures employers in Phoenix can make more informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees, fostering a safer working environment.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Phoenix, GA allows employers to review an individual’s substance history over a much longer period, up to 90 days. This advantage proves beneficial for companies looking to ensure long-term drug-free policies and assess applicants or employees comprehensively.
Unlike other testing methods, this longer window captures patterns in substance use that may not be evident in tests with shorter detection frames. With hair follicle testing, companies in Phoenix can have a clearer understanding of an individual's consistency in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
Hair follicle testing in Phoenix, GA, presents a tamper-resistant methodology, significantly lowering risks of adulterated samples. This type of testing is incredibly difficult to cheat, as the hair sample collects drug use indicators from the inner cortex, rendering external alterations ineffective.
The integrity of hair follicle tests ensures unparalleled confidence in the results. This reliability is critical for employers or authorities who need undisputable evidence of substance use, providing peace of mind that the collected data is authentic and unaltered.
The convenience of nationwide testing centers, including local options in Phoenix, GA, ensures individuals and employers have quick access to hair follicle testing. With centers available across the country, participants benefit from hassle-free scheduling at a location most convenient to them.
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates an easy and straightforward testing process, emphasizing the benefits of having widely accessible facilities. This expansive network helps minimize the challenges often associated with scheduling and conducting drug tests, simplifying the overall experience.
At Accredited Drug Testing in Phoenix, GA, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Customers can easily order tests online or via phone, ensuring privacy and convenience throughout the procedure.
The confidentiality aspect extends to the handling of results as well, with secure communication ensuring sensitive information remains protected. This seamless and discreet testing method reassures individuals and businesses alike while addressing concerns over privacy and ease of use.
In Phoenix, GA, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of any size. Our affordable hair follicle testing services ensure that cost does not become a barrier for maintaining a drug-free environment.
The swift processing of test results allows companies to make timely decisions, reinforcing confidence in administrative processes without budgetary strain. By balancing cost-effectiveness with reliability, we stand committed to supporting workplace safety efficiently.
In Phoenix, GA, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their speed and precision. The testing procedure swiftly delivers results with high accuracy, making it a reliable method for determining substance use. This rapid turnaround is crucial for employers seeking timely results to make informed decisions regarding their workforce.
The accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Phoenix ensures that even minimal traces of substances are detected, offering a precise analysis. This level of reliability aids employers in confidently maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace, enhancing overall workforce safety and compliance with regulations.
In Phoenix, GA, hair follicle testing offers employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with stringent workplace drug-free policies. Adopting this testing method helps reduce legal risks and fosters a safer, more productive environment.
Maintaining compliance through hair follicle testing allows for adherence to zero-tolerance policies, which can prevent incidents and litigation. Employers can confidently uphold their standards and provide assurances of a drug-free workplace, promoting trust and safety among employees.
