Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are esteemed as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a timeline of up to roughly three months for the detection of alcohol and drugs when collected near the scalp. This method is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
To perform hair screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp is preferred, which yields 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, equivalent body hair can be utilized. Head hair strictly pertains to scalp hair; other body hair includes facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
Conducting a laboratory drug test involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is logged into the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary method to detect drugs. While it offers a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screening findings require confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptively positive samples proceed to a confirmatory step.
For suspected positive samples from Screening, additional hair samples are prepared for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from the hair at lesser concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most challenging procedure to execute.
Positive screenings are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, samples are washed if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Stovall, GA offers advantages over urine tests, particularly in accuracy and reliability. This testing method provides a broader detection window, giving it an edge in uncovering past usage patterns. The extended timeframe and ability to identify varied substances make hair testing a superior choice over the conventional urine test for those seeking comprehensive screening.
In Stovall, GA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, which is superior to other methods. This longer assessment period allows employers to gain comprehensive insights into a candidate's or employee's substance use history, making it an effective tool for those enforcing drug-free policies.
Hair follicle tests in Stovall, GA stand as a tamper-resistant option, significantly reducing the chances of sample alteration. This method ensures that results are dependable and beyond dispute, making it a reliable choice for employers and organizations prioritizing accurate drug use assessments.
Our testing facilities are conveniently located across the nation, including local sites in Stovall, GA, ensuring quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. This extensive network facilitates easy, convenient testing processes for individuals and businesses alike.
The hair follicle test process in Stovall, GA is simple and confidential, designed to respect your privacy while providing an effortless experience. From ordering to results retrieval, each step ensures ease and security, addressing confidentiality and convenience for all participants.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing an appealing choice in Stovall, GA. This combination of affordability and efficiency offers excellent value, catering to companies of varying sizes and meeting financial and operational expectations effectively.
In Stovall, GA, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering prompt, accurate, and reliable results. The high precision of these tests in detecting drug use surpasses traditional methods. With swift turnaround times, these tests serve as an excellent choice for individuals and organizations seeking dependable substance use detection in a timely manner.
Employers in Stovall, GA can achieve peace of mind and compliance by utilizing hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, offering a trustworthy pathway to regulatory adherence and a safer working environment.