Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. It chronicles extended periods of usage, capturing and storing biomarkers within the hair’s growing fibers. By sourcing hair samples close to the scalp, a detection timeline of roughly three months is achievable for both alcohol and drugs. The hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
To obtain an optimal sample for analysis, a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp is required to yield 100mg of hair. When conducting EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the specimen. In instances where scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair can serve as a substitute. Note that references to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair; body hair covers all other forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in a lab consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary sample processing within a lab’s system. This stage involves ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data recording not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive screen result requires confirmation to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging procedure to perform.
Positive screening results must undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation processes as necessary. The complete lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is done on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Tyrone, GA, outshines traditional urine tests. The accuracy of hair testing is superior, with a longer detection window that urine tests can't match. This makes hair testing an ideal choice for employers and agencies needing reliable and thorough substance use detection.
Employers in Tyrone, GA, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. This method can identify drug use over up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of an individual's substance history. Such comprehensive insights aid in making informed employment decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Tyrone, GA, ensures reliable results. The integrity of samples is preserved, minimizing the chances of adulteration. This testing method provides dependable results, offering certainty to both employers and the tested individuals.
Accessing drug testing services is convenient with our wide network of nationwide testing centers, including local options in Tyrone, GA. This extensive reach ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience, allowing individuals and employers quick and easy access to testing facilities.
The drug testing process in Tyrone, GA, is simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving the results, the procedure is designed to respect privacy and ensure ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality and simplicity for all parties involved.
In Tyrone, GA, our drug testing services promise affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Whether for small businesses or large corporations, we offer cost-effective solutions with quick result delivery, ensuring excellent value while maintaining peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Tyrone, GA. These tests stand out for their precision, providing trustworthy insights into substance use. Their efficacy in swiftly detecting substance use is unparalleled, ensuring timely results without compromising accuracy.
For employers in Tyrone, GA, hair follicle testing brings peace of mind by enhancing compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method not only alleviates legal risks but also boosts overall workplace safety, aligning with regulatory requirements and organizational goals.
