Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a robust means for unveiling drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibrous structure of the growing strand. When samples are acquired near the scalp, they can reveal alcohol and drug usage for up to roughly a three-month span. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Whenever we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This procedure verifies that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary swift assessment for drug abuse. Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the bulk of samples, yet a positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that demonstrate a presumptive positive result undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine tests in Sharon, GA? The benefits include a superior detection period and undeniable reliability. Hair tests identify drug use with greater precision, making them a staple for employers and institutions needing stringent monitoring. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle analysis provides a broader historical timeline, ensuring a comprehensive view of substance use.
Hair follicle testing's extended detection window allows employers in Sharon, GA, to assess substance use over a 90-day period. This method provides a thorough substance history of applicants or employees, offering a detailed picture compared to shorter detection windows. This feature makes hair testing an invaluable tool for organizations prioritizing comprehensive background checks.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Sharon, GA, significantly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures the reliability of results by minimizing opportunities for manipulation. With its robust collection process, hair testing delivers unquestionable results, serving institutions that require high integrity in their testing procedures.
Convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Sharon, GA offer quick and hassle-free access. Accredited Drug Testing ensures simple access to necessary testing services. With facilities available in diverse locations, the process remains straightforward, making it ideal for busy schedules and urgent testing requirements across various network points.
In Sharon, GA, our testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step safeguards privacy and ease of use. The procedure is structured to alleviate concerns about confidentiality and accessibility, ensuring individuals and employers experience a streamlined and discreet testing journey.
Our facility in Sharon, GA emphasizes affordable pricing and a fast turnaround. The competitive pricing structures are suitable for companies of all sizes, ensuring excellent value. Coupled with swift result delivery, this creates a comfortable testing experience without financial strain, enhancing overall satisfaction with the service provided.
In Sharon, GA, hair follicle drug testing exemplifies fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method precisely detects substance use with a high level of accuracy. The efficiency of these tests ensures that results are delivered promptly, aiding rapid decision-making. These factors contribute to the growing reputation of hair drug tests as the preferred method in stringent monitoring environments.
In Sharon, GA, hair follicle testing assures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind. By reducing legal risks and enhancing safety, hair testing provides employers with a reliable approach to maintaining a secure work environment. This testing method underscores the commitment to a drug-free workplace, benefiting both employers and employees.