Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an efficient method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair can capture a long-term record of alcohol and many drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can offer nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and various drugs. The collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra testing, and/or analyses above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. A jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other hair styles (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial intake of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid legally. Any samples with presumed positive results in Screening are subject to further confirmation.
Should a sample be assumed positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are recovered from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening presents the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any initial positive screening outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumed positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing in Whitesburg, GA, hair testing offers substantial benefits. Hair tests detect drug use over a longer period, providing a more reliable and comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. This method is less susceptible to contamination and tampering, unlike traditional urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in Whitesburg, GA, present an extended detection window for drug use, up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe allows employers to gain a thorough overview of an employee's or candidate's substance use habits, making it an ideal choice for organizations aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Whitesburg, GA, ensures reliable outcomes. Unlike urine samples, hair samples are significantly more challenging to adulterate, providing trust and assurance in the authenticity of the test results.
With convenient testing locations both nationwide and locally in Whitesburg, GA, accessing drug testing services is simple and hassle-free. These facilities ensure that individuals and companies can quickly get the testing they need without unnecessary travel or delays.
The hair follicle testing process in Whitesburg, GA, is both simple and confidential. Our streamlined procedure for ordering tests, undergoing the testing process, and receiving results ensures privacy and peace of mind for all participants.
Whitesburg, GA, boasts affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests, delivering exceptional value. Our competitive pricing structure and quick processing times meet the needs of companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive vital information without undue expense.
In Whitesburg, GA, hair follicle drug testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. The method's precision in identifying substance use makes it superior for organizations seeking dependable testing solutions. The speed at which results are returned enhances this method's value, ensuring informed decision-making for employers and professionals alike.
Hair follicle testing in Whitesburg, GA, supports employers in achieving compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By integrating this method, employers can minimize legal risks associated with substance use while promoting a safer and more responsible working environment.
