Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The assessment of hair has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within its growing strands. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. It's easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch snippet of around 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the ideal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps in a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initial sample processing in a lab system, ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary drug abuse check. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positives from Screening need secondary verification.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirming any positive screen involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing in Richland, GA, hair tests stand out for their superior detection period. Hair testing excels in identifying substance use over a prolonged timeframe, unlike urine tests which have a much shorter detection window.
The advantages of hair testing are clear: while urine tests are common, hair tests provide a more robust reflection of an individual's substance history, ensuring better reliability in the results.
Employers in Richland, GA benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which can identify drug use spanning up to 90 days. This long detection period offers a more comprehensive look into an individual's substance history, surpassing the capabilities of other testing methods.
This testing method provides employers with a broader insight into potential or current employees' past drug use, helping maintain a safer and drug-free workplace.
In Richland, GA, hair follicle testing is celebrated for its robust resistance to tampering. This method diminishes the chance of sample adulteration, providing unquestionable reliability.
By significantly reducing the likelihood of manipulation, hair tests uphold the integrity of the results, making it an advantageous choice for those seeking assured substance testing accuracy.
Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the testing process with numerous locations throughout Richland, GA and nationwide. This network ensures quick and convenient access to our testing services, offering hassle-free experiences.
Our extensive testing centers facilitate efficient service access, making it effortless for individuals and businesses across different regions to obtain the testing they require.
In Richland, GA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed with simplicity and privacy in mind.
Our user-friendly method ensures ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns while providing a smooth and seamless testing experience for all involved.
Offering competitive pricing in Richland, GA, hair follicle testing ensures value for businesses both small and large. Coupled with fast turnaround times, this method delivers both excellence and peace of mind.
Companies seeking affordable and efficient drug testing options will find hair testing an ideal solution, combining cost-effectiveness with reliable and prompt results.
In Richland, GA, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its swift and accurate outcomes. Its precision in identifying substance use is unmatched, ensuring speedy and reliable results for those in need.
With the capability to detect a broad spectrum of substances, hair tests deliver unparalleled accuracy compared to traditional methods, offering users confidence in the reliability of their test results.
For employers in Richland, GA, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies is crucial. Hair follicle testing aids in achieving this by minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety.
By implementing hair testing, businesses can rest easy knowing they have a reliable method to uphold their drug-free standards and offer peace of mind in maintaining a secure work environment.
