Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair fibers encase biomarkers as they grow, offering a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal a detection range of nearly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, results in 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for screening and confirmation. In cases of EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Regarding head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step checks the sealing and proper shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to generally negate drug use, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a highly challenging method to execute.
A positive Screening outcome is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Stone Mountain, GA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in various aspects. For one, its effectiveness is evident in its longer detection window and greater resistance to tampering. These tests provide a clearer picture of an individual's drug usage history, offering more reliable and superior detection accuracy, which is why many employers prefer it over conventional urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Stone Mountain, GA, offers an extended detection window which captures drug use over a much longer duration, typically up to 90 days. This extended range provides employers with a comprehensive substance history of applicants or employees, enhancing the ability to make informed decisions regarding hiring or maintaining workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing in Stone Mountain, GA, is a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This ensures the integrity and accuracy of the results, making it a trustworthy option for discerning true instances of drug use. With such robust security measures, the outcomes are virtually unquestionable.
Stone Mountain, GA, benefits from convenient access to our nationwide testing centers. This accessibility ensures a quick, straightforward, and stress-free process for securing necessary drug testing services. Local testing availability eliminates the hassle and aids in maintaining efficient operational procedures.
The hair follicle testing process in Stone Mountain, GA, is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are straightforward steps, offering individuals and organizations ease of use while addressing privacy concerns and reassuring all parties involved of discretion.
In Stone Mountain, GA, our hair follicle testing services are noted for affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. By providing a compelling value proposition, businesses of all sizes can gain peace of mind through timely results without straining budgetary constraints, ensuring a smoother testing experience overall.
The hair follicle drug tests conducted in Stone Mountain, GA, are known for their remarkable precision and speed. This testing method is highly accurate in identifying substance use, offering rapid and reliable results, ensuring that individuals and organizations receive timely and dependable information about drug usage. Such efficiency is essential for maintaining safety and compliance.
For employers in Stone Mountain, GA, using hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also promotes a safer work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their drug testing methodology is both comprehensive and secure.
