Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in the strands' fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advised. The specimen should be measured using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process where a sample is incorporated into a laboratory’s system, ensuring it was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial rapid scan for drug presence. It is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, but any positive findings must be verified for court acceptance. Screens that are presumed positive necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If Screening flags a sample as likely positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pine Mountain Valley, GA
Hair follicle tests offer distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. In Pine Mountain Valley, GA, the superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair tests make them a preferred choice. They can analyze substance use over an extended period, unlike urine tests limited to short-term detection.
Employers in Pine Mountain Valley, GA, benefit from hair follicle testing's ability to identify long-term drug use, which urine tests can't match. This leads to more informed decisions when assessing potential employees.
Extended Detection Window in Pine Mountain Valley, GA
Hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of drug use. In Pine Mountain Valley, GA, this comprehensive view helps employers understand an individual's substance history better, providing a clearer picture for hiring decisions.
This long detection period surpasses traditional methods, enabling employers to maintain a drug-free work environment in Pine Mountain Valley, GA, effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pine Mountain Valley, GA
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, providing reliable results in Pine Mountain Valley, GA. The observed collection process ensures sample integrity, offering peace of mind with every test conducted.
This tamper-resistant method stands as a strong deterrent to fraudulent attempts, safeguarding the accuracy of the results, and maintaining trust in testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pine Mountain Valley, GA
Accessing hair follicle testing is made convenient with our numerous nationwide locations. In Pine Mountain Valley, GA, local centers ensure quick and hassle-free testing services, meeting the needs of various clients.
Our widespread network eliminates travel concerns, allowing for seamless scheduling and testing experiences across all regions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pine Mountain Valley, GA
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward in Pine Mountain Valley, GA. Emphasizing privacy and ease, clients can count on a confidential experience throughout the testing process.
Concerns about confidentiality are addressed with robust protocols, ensuring that personal information is carefully protected at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pine Mountain Valley, GA
We offer competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Pine Mountain Valley, GA. This approach provides excellent value to companies, regardless of size, ensuring access to high-quality testing solutions.
Affordability paired with reliability makes hair testing an attractive option, maintaining budgetary constraints without compromising on precision.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pine Mountain Valley, GA
Hair follicle drug tests offer quick and precise results crucial for timely decisions. In Pine Mountain Valley, GA, these tests ensure high accuracy in determining substance use. The process is efficient, catering to the increasing demand for dependable testing solutions.
The speed of hair testing is complemented by its accuracy. With the ability to detect a wide range of substances, it outperforms other methods, making it the top choice in Pine Mountain Valley, GA.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pine Mountain Valley, GA
Using hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Pine Mountain Valley, GA. It reduces legal risks and enhances safety by adhering to strict guidelines for substance use detection.
Employers find peace of mind knowing that hair testing upholds the highest standards, effectively supporting a safe and healthy work environment.
