Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair's structure. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period for up to roughly three months for both alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair segment comprising approximately 200 strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is considered the preferred sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Employing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into a lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry needs beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid assessment for drug use. Although Screening offers an economical approach to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid in court. All samples marked as presumptive positive during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those used in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug testing is notably challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples identified as presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the assessment evaluates the hair strand itself, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing
In the realm of substance screening in Stillmore, GA, hair testing presents a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy and a broader detection window, hair tests provide more reliable and comprehensive results. This makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for employers who prioritize a drug-free work environment.
Benefits of an Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Stillmore, GA captures drug use over an extended period, offering a detection window of up to 90 days. This prolonged assessment period grants employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, contributing to more informed hiring and management choices.
Ensuring Tamper-Resistant Testing
In Stillmore, GA, hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration. The collection process for hair samples is designed to be nearly foolproof, making tampering extremely challenging. This reliability helps provide results that are trustable and secure, meeting the stringent standards of modern testing.
Accessible and Convenient Testing Locations
Our expansive network of testing centers across the country, including local labs in Stillmore, GA, makes accessing these services straightforward. The availability of these nationwide centers ensures efficient, accessible testing processes without unnecessary delays, supporting both individual and organizational needs for seamless drug testing.
A Simple and Confidential Testing Process
In Stillmore, GA, the procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is streamlined and discreet. Emphasizing confidentiality, this process alleviates privacy concerns while ensuring the procedure remains straightforward and user-friendly, catering to both individual and employer requisites.
Affordable Testing with Quick Results
Our services in Stillmore, GA promise competitive pricing, coupled with fast turnaround times. This combination ensures that businesses of varying sizes receive valuable service at a reasonable cost, fostering confidence and ease in their drug testing decisions without sacrificing cost-effectiveness.
The Precision and Speed of Hair Follicle Drug Tests
In Stillmore, GA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their high accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests offer fast and reliable outcomes, ensuring individuals and organizations access the information they require promptly. The methodology utilized in hair drug tests guarantees precision, facilitating informed decision-making processes without undue delay.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers
For employers in Stillmore, GA, adopting hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. These tests diminish legal risks and cultivate a safer work environment. Utilizing hair tests, firms can maintain compliance with regulations, offering peace of mind concerning workplace safety and reliability.
