Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month history for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplements any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening need follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows an initial positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as warranted. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," it actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Comparing hair to urine testing in Tilton, GA, hair tests offer superior accuracy and reliability. Hair testing extends detection time and proves difficult to bypass, while urine tests remain limited in temporal detection and vulnerable to manipulation.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Tilton, GA, proves invaluable for employers. It inspects drug use over an extensive 90-day period, offering comprehensive insights into an individual's drug history.
Comprehensive History: Provides a deep view into past substance use
Reliable Timeline: Extends beyond short-term tests.
In Tilton, GA, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces sample adulteration risks. This yields indisputable results, ensuring each test's integrity.
Reduced Risk: Ensures reliability by preventing sample alteration
Uncompromised Testing: Results are trustworthy and enforceable.
Tilton, GA benefits from the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide and local centers, offering quick, hassle-free testing access.
Local Convenience: Easily accessible locations
Nationwide Network: Ensures availability and ease of service.
The straightforward, confidential process offered in Tilton, GA for hair follicle testing alleviates privacy concerns and ensures ease of use.
Simplicity: Provides an easy testing experience
Confidentiality: Safeguards personal information and results privacy.
Accredited Drug Testing in Tilton, GA ensures competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Cost Efficiency: Affordable pricing options
Quick Results: Swift service delivery without compromising quality.
In Tilton, GA, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice. Their high accuracy in detecting substance use aids in reliable assessments, powerfully complementing any drug testing program.
Fast Processing ensures timely access to results.
High Accuracy offers confidence in analysis and reassurance of effective substance use detection.
Employers in Tilton, GA benefit from hair follicle testing's role in ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. It minimizes legal risks and helps maintain a safe, drug-free workplace.
Compliance Assurance: Meets workplace drug testing regulations
Safety Enhancement: Supports a secure and sober work environment.
