Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month span for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (akin to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair might be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of recording a sample in a lab’s database. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment were intact, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't already entered.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be court-worthy. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptively positive results in Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than what is possible with other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results must be confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on the analysis of the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Sylvester, GA, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which generally cover a short detection window, hair tests can reveal drug use over a 90-day period. This extended timeframe gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, proving more reliable in identifying habitual usage.
The methodical nature of hair testing means even the most minute drug traces are likely to be detected. This thoroughness, along with its longer detection window, presents considerable advantages over the more conventional urine tests frequently used elsewhere.
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers in Sylvester, GA a thorough overview of a candidate or employee's drug history. This extended period uncovers patterns of use that might go unnoticed in shorter-term tests, proving invaluable for maintaining workplace safety and integrity.
Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis retains evidence of substance use over months, not just days. For employers, this translates into a more complete insight into an individual's history, aiding in informed decision-making when it counts the most.
Sylvester, GA relies on the robustness of hair follicle tests to significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, hair testing makes it nearly impossible to alter or adulterate the sample. This reliability assures that the results are genuine and trustworthy, delivering confidence to employers and legal entities alike.
The difficulty in tampering with hair samples guarantees that results are both accurate and uncontaminated, ensuring that decisions based on these results are well-founded and credible.
Sylvester, GA benefits from a network of nationwide testing locations, offering easy access to our services. Whether local or around the country, our centers ensure that obtaining a hair follicle test is a straightforward, hassle-free experience for all involved.
The widespread availability of testing centers means that anyone in need of a test can find a location nearby, affirming the practicality and convenience of choosing hair follicle testing.
In Sylvester, GA, the process of ordering and conducting hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. Our protocol safeguards privacy at every step, from scheduling to receiving results. This simplicity ensures that clients can focus on the outcomes without undue concern.
Confidentiality is paramount, and our methods guarantee that privacy is respected, providing a convenient and discreet testing experience for all parties involved.
Sylvester, GA businesses benefit from our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle tests. Our cost-effective options deliver excellent value without compromising on quality or speed, making it an ideal choice for companies of any size looking to implement efficient drug testing processes.
Fast results coupled with affordability ensure that Sylvester businesses can maintain high standards in drug policy enforcement while managing expenses effectively.
In Sylvester, GA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swift and precise results. The high accuracy of these tests ensures that even sporadic substance use is detected, providing peace of mind for both employers and individuals. The efficiency with which hair tests can produce reliable outcomes makes them an invaluable resource for those seeking assured accuracy.
The rapid processing of hair samples allows for timely results, reducing the anxiety often associated with waiting for drug test outcomes. This speed and precision are why so many in Sylvester depend on hair follicle testing over traditional methods.
Employers in Sylvester, GA find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, aligning with workplace drug-free policies. This method ensures precise compliance, thereby reducing potential legal issues and enhancing the safety of the workplace environment. The reliability of hair testing makes it an essential component in maintaining a compliant and secure workplace.
Adopting hair testing not only complies with regulations but also fortifies the foundation of a safe and productive work atmosphere, crucial for businesses aiming to uphold the highest standards of operation.
