Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a historical record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal consumption over roughly a 3-month period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing within a lab’s system. This process includes verifying correct sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and undertaking any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift evaluation for substances of misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly way to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally valid. Any samples showing positive results in Screening need further validation.
Should a specimen show a positive indication in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most complicated method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome leverages GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS technology. All samples that are preliminarily positive are rinsed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair root beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Withers, GA: In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. It is a favored choice for those seeking detailed drug use histories.
Extended Detection Window in Withers, GA: Hair follicle testing allows for tracing drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough assessment of an individual's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Withers, GA: Hair follicle tests significantly cut down the chances of sample tampering, ensuring results are trustworthy and beyond dispute.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Withers, GA: Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide guarantees fast and seamless access to testing services, including those in Withers, GA.
Simple, Confidential Process in Withers, GA: The hair follicle test offers a straightforward and private process for tests, from ordering to result reception, ensuring confidentiality and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Withers, GA: Our competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times provide excellent value for businesses of any size, ensuring quick and efficient service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Withers, GA: Hair follicle drug tests shine with their precision and rapid outcomes. Known for their high accuracy, these tests detect substances effectively, offering peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Withers, GA: Adopting hair follicle testing aids in aligning with drug-free workplace policies and bolsters workplace safety, mitigating legal risks.
