Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now highly regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection range for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields a 100mg sample, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10 items, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is introduced into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and forwarded correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry that the electronic chain of custody system did not provide.
Screening is a preliminary and swift examination for drugs of misuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for court admission. Any Screening results that are presumptively positive need secondary confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sandy Cross, GA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a longer detection period, reflecting substance use over weeks rather than days.
A key benefit is the increased accuracy and reliability, as hair tests are less prone to manipulation, ensuring more trustworthy results than the conventional urine testing approach.
Employers in Sandy Cross, GA, appreciate the extended detection period of hair follicle testing for drugs, reaching up to 90 days back. This extensive window paints a comprehensive picture of a person's drug use history.
This insight allows employers to better assess potential hires or current employees' suitability for their roles, fostering a safer and more productive workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Sandy Cross, GA, is known for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing the chances of sample adulteration. This characteristic ensures that results are both reliable and trustworthy.
Unlike other testing methods vulnerable to cheating, hair tests maintain integrity throughout the process, making it easier for employers and law enforcement to depend on these tests for accurate outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing simplifies access with its convenient locations nationwide and locally in Sandy Cross, GA. These widespread centers ensure that test services are within easy reach for employers and individuals alike.
Whether close to home or further afield, our test centers provide a hassle-free experience, promoting quick and efficient testing processes for all clients.
Sandy Cross, GA, residents can rest assured with a simple and confidential process for hair drug testing. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use.
We address privacy concerns diligently, giving individuals confidence their data is handled securely, fostering trust in the testing procedure.
In Sandy Cross, GA, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle drug testing, emphasizing fast turnaround times. This makes testing accessible for companies of any size seeking cost-effective solutions.
Providing excellent value, we ensure that our services meet the financial and operational needs of various clients, supporting informed decision-making without breaking the bank.
The precision and quick output of hair follicle drug tests in Sandy Cross, GA highlight their superior accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests deliver fast and accurate results, helping employers and authorities make informed decisions promptly.
With advanced technology, hair tests efficiently and effectively determine the presence of drugs in an individual's system, ensuring reliable reporting and reducing the risk of errors associated with traditional testing methods.
For employers in Sandy Cross, GA, hair follicle testing aligns with compliance needs and promotes a drug-free workplace policy. This testing method mitigates legal risks and improves workplace safety by ensuring individuals are substance-free.
Such assurance gives companies peace of mind, knowing that their workforce supports a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.
