Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximately 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprised of about 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil), gathered from the scalp's nearest point, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially entering a sample into a laboratory’s system. This stage includes validating that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirming any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated 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 commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the sub-scalp hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stonecrest, GA
The significant edge that hair follicle testing holds over urine tests is its superior detection accuracy and comprehensive reliability. While urine tests are often limited, hair testing provides a far-reaching detection window that enhances substance tracking effectiveness.
Extended Detection Window in Stonecrest, GA
Employers benefit from hair follicle tests' capability to trace drug use over extensive periods, often up to 90 days. This offers a detailed perspective on an employee's past substance use, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stonecrest, GA
Hair follicle tests largely eliminate the risk of adulteration, providing highly reliable and trustworthy results in testing procedures. This tamper-resistant method ensures confidence in the outcomes delivered to stakeholders.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stonecrest, GA
Our network of testing centers offers easy access, providing seamless and convenient services for all clients. Whether nationwide or localized in Stonecrest, GA, our centers are well-positioned to meet your testing needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stonecrest, GA
The process for conducting and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential with us. We prioritize client privacy, ensuring a respectful and efficient service from order to result delivery.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stonecrest, GA
Our competitive pricing and quick result delivery make us an excellent choice for businesses seeking value without compromising on quality or service speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stonecrest, GA
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed, making it a superior choice in Stonecrest, GA. With its advanced detection capabilities, it ensures that the results are both accurate and obtained swiftly, giving peace of mind to all parties involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stonecrest, GA
By opting for hair follicle testing, employers can uphold drug-free workplace policies, minimize potential legal issues, and enhance overall safety. This ensures alignment with policy standards, fostering a secure working environment.
