Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent means of identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair encases a comprehensive history of alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), collected closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial handling of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a quick preliminary check for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to discount drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples appearing positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to undertake.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Woodstock, GA – One key advantage of hair testing is its extensive detection window, catching drug use patterns missed by urine tests. This method is useful for employers seeking comprehensive insights into an individual's behaviors, offering superior detection and credibility over urine-based tests.
Extended Detection Window in Woodstock, GA – Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage by detecting drug use for up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to obtain a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's past substance use, enabling more informed hiring and management decisions.
Unbeatable Tamper Resistance in Woodstock, GA – Hair follicle testing effectively mitigates the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures that results are reliable and verifiable, making it an ideal choice for maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.
Convenient Testing Access Across Woodstock, GA – Our nationwide network of testing centers, including local facilities in Woodstock, ensures that obtaining tests is straightforward and convenient. This widespread availability reduces wait times and streamlines the testing process for users.
Easy and Confidential Testing Process in Woodstock, GA – The procedure for scheduling, undertaking, and obtaining results is straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns and simplifying the testing journey for clients.
Cost-Effective Solutions and Swift Results in Woodstock, GA – Our competitive pricing and quick result turnaround deliver excellent value to businesses of varying sizes, making drug testing both affordable and efficient.
Speed and Accuracy Highlighted in Woodstock, GA – The hair follicle drug testing method is renowned for rapid and precise results. This means that individuals and employers can receive reliable information promptly, facilitating timely decisions and actions. With an elevated accuracy rate in identifying substance use, these tests offer peace of mind and dependability.
Assuring Employer Compliance and Safety in Woodstock, GA – Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposure and enhancing safety. This method assists employers in maintaining compliance, promoting a secure and healthy work environment.
