Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by holding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be provided, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of a drug test result unfolds in four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This process verifies that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical technique to dismiss drug usage in most specimens, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples that show positive indications in Screening require an additional confirmation.
Should a sample show a potential positive result during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive specimens are washed before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test commonly called a "hair follicle test" actually analyzes the hair strands and does not test the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in St. George, GA offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. Notably, hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, helping employers and authorities make more informed decisions. Unlike urine tests, hair tests deliver a broader detection window, making it harder for individuals to evade positive results.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in St. George, GA is a significant advantage. Unlike other methods, hair testing can reveal drug use over a prolonged period, often up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of an individual's past substance history, providing a more comprehensive assessment of candidates or personnel.
In St. George, GA, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method, ensuring the integrity of results. This test reduces risks of sample manipulation, providing unshakeable evidence of substance use. The process invariably deters attempts to alter or fake results, thereby promoting trustworthy findings for sensitive situations.
With convenient testing centers positioned nationwide and local options in St. George, GA, accessing drug testing services becomes seamless. Employers and individuals benefit from the ease of locating testing facilities that are quick and hassle-free. Accessibility ensures that testing requirements are met without inconvenience.
The hair follicle testing process in St. George, GA is designed to be simple and confidential. Whether ordering, undergoing the test, or receiving results, each step is crafted to safeguard privacy while being user-friendly. This approach eliminates concerns about discretion and facilitates a stress-free testing experience.
In St. George, GA, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing paired with rapid turnaround times. This cost-effective solution provides excellent value, ensuring businesses of all sizes can access vital testing services without financial strain. The quick return on results further enhances the value proposition.
In St. George, GA, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and accuracy. They provide swift and reliable results, ensuring a high level of precision when detecting substance use. This method is favored for its ability to quickly and effectively identify trace amounts of drugs, offering a dependable solution for those needing prompt insights into substance abuse issues.
Hair follicle testing in St. George, GA offers peace of mind to employers by deploying a method that aligns with drug-free workplace policies. Ensuring company compliance, this testing technique mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, reinforcing a stable and secure professional environment.
