Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a compelling method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longitudinal history of alcohol and other drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period for detecting substances such as alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental testing, and exams exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair is solely in reference to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test at the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a specimen into a lab's workflow. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any non-electronic chain of custody data entry.
Screening is a preliminary test for substances of abuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to identify drug usage across most samples, a positive finding requires further confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is removed from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), signifying why hair drug screening is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the testing itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Reed Creek, GA
Compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy and reliability. Its observational method minimizes tampering risks, while the extended detection period provides a comprehensive overview of substance use history, thus making it a preferred choice for employers and legal professionals in Reed Creek.
Extended Detection Window in Reed Creek, GA
Hair follicle testing excels with its lengthy detection window, monitoring drug use up to 90 days. This advantage enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, facilitating informed decisions regarding applications and employment in Reed Creek.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Reed Creek, GA
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration. Their design ensures reliable results, yielding unquestionable outcomes. This tamper-resistant attribute is critical for organizations seeking trustworthy drug testing methods in Reed Creek.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Reed Creek, GA
Our network of testing centers spans the nation, including local options in Reed Creek. This distribution guarantees accessibility, providing straightforward access to drug testing services, ensuring a stress-free experience for all participants.
Simple, Confidential Process in Reed Creek, GA
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. It accommodates ease of use, from ordering the test to receiving results. Privacy is paramount, and the process is crafted to uphold discretion, ensuring users in Reed Creek experience no discomfort or concern.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Reed Creek, GA
With competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround times, our services offer excellent value. They are designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes in Reed Creek, providing affordable options while ensuring peace of mind with prompt and efficient service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Reed Creek, GA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for precision and rapid results. They offer high accuracy, effectively detecting substance use in individuals. The testing process is efficient, ensuring timely insights, making them a preferred choice for those requiring reliable drug screening services in Reed Creek.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Reed Creek, GA
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists employers in upholding drug-free policies, decreasing legal obligations, and promoting safety. By choosing this method, businesses in Reed Creek can ensure compliance and enjoy a sense of security concerning workplace drug policy adherence.
