Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment is now recognized as a robust resource for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drug exposure by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month period of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not available, an equal volume of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four phases in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initially entering a sample into a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse indicators. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need additional confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and is readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much finer concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug assessment is one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation where required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair shaft rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Riverside, GA Hair follicle tests offer superior detection range and reliability over traditional urine tests. The extensive detection period and robustness against tampering make them ideal for maintaining rigorous drug-free policies. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in scope, hair testing provides a more comprehensive substance use overview.
Given their ability to detect drugs used up to 90 days prior, they offer an authentic depiction of an individual’s substance use history, shielding against short-term abstinence attempts.
Extended Detection Window in Riverside, GA One of the notable advantages of hair follicle testing is its long detection window, capable of identifying drug use over a 90-day span. This extended timeframe allows employers to gain deeper insight into an individual’s substance behavior, far beyond the capabilities of other testing methods like urine tests.
This comprehensive overview aids in evaluating past drug involvement, assisting in informed decision-making and ensuring safer workplaces.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Riverside, GA Hair follicle testing stands out for its resilience against sample tampering, thereby guaranteeing authenticity and reliability in test results. Unlike urine tests, which can be susceptible to adulteration, the hair testing process ensures a more secure and credible evaluation.
This fortified testing mechanism protects employers from potential fraudulent activities, fostering a trustworthy environment in the workplace.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Riverside, GA Our expansive network of testing centers ensures quick and hassle-free access, offering unmatched convenience in Riverside, GA, and nationwide. Regardless of location, individuals can access top-tier testing services with ease.
Be it for pre-employment screening or other requirements, the accessibility of our facilities accentuates a seamless process, promising national and local convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Riverside, GA Our hair follicle testing embodies simplicity and confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use from start to finish. The streamlined process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results reassures participants of their privacy.
This secure yet straightforward approach makes it an appealing choice for individuals concerned about confidentiality and convenience throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Riverside, GA Our pricing structures are crafted to be competitive, providing exceptional value alongside rapid result delivery. Businesses of all sizes appreciate the affordability coupled with the swift turnaround, aiding in maintaining momentum without breaking the bank.
This blends cost-effectiveness with reliability, positioning us as the go-to provider for economical yet high-quality drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Riverside, GA Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their unparalleled accuracy and rapid processing time, ensuring precise identification of substance use. Their capability to reliably detect drug presence makes them invaluable in obtaining trustworthy results quickly, an essential criterion for those requiring prompt judgments.
In a world where timing is crucial, especially within safety-sensitive industries, these tests guarantee high accuracy and swift turnaround, making them a preferred choice for many employers.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Riverside, GA Implementing hair follicle testing endorses compliance with workplace drug policies, adding a layer of legal safeguard for employers. It plays a pivotal role in nurturing a drug-free work setting, alleviating liability fears and elevating employee safety standards significantly.
With its accurate readings and comprehensive detection, employers can assure a safer, more productive environment, nurturing both employee well-being and organization integrity.