Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Providing a comprehensive historical record, the growing hair strand captures biomarkers within its fibers. When harvested near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month detection period for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transport is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes initially integrating a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step involves ensuring proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient method to assess drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be validated for legal acceptability. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original collection and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Woodville, GA
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and consistency. In Woodville, GA, these tests offer superior visibility into drug usage patterns, maintaining their integrity and reliability when urine testing falls short.
Employers benefit from the comprehensive insights hair testing provides, making it a preferred choice over urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Woodville, GA
Hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Woodville, GA.
This longer timeframe gives employers a complete perspective on an individual's substance use history, ensuring thorough evaluation and informed decision-making.
Compared to other methods, it facilitates a broader understanding of an employee’s or applicant’s past behaviors.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Woodville, GA
Hair follicle testing in Woodville, GA significantly reduces the risk of sample contamination, providing consistent, unquestionable results.
The robustness against tampering marks it as a reliable choice, ensuring the integrity of each test conducted.
Its ability to safeguard against adulteration makes hair testing a preferred method over traditional alternatives.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Woodville, GA
Our broad network of testing centers, including those in Woodville, GA, ensures accessible and efficient testing services.
This widespread availability simplifies the testing process, offering a seamless experience with quick access anytime nationally.
Simple, Confidential Process in Woodville, GA
Our straightforward and confidential approach in Woodville, GA addresses all privacy concerns.
From booking a test to receiving results, our process prioritizes ease and discretion, securing your peace of mind every step of the way.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Woodville, GA
Competitive pricing and swift results define our services in Woodville, GA.
Our efficient procedures deliver value and reliability to businesses, regardless of size, ensuring rapid and dependable outcomes without overextending the budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Woodville, GA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their accuracy and quick turnaround in Woodville, GA. These tests are adept at revealing substance use with high precision, ensuring reliability and trust in the results obtained.
Opting for hair testing ensures swift yet thorough detection, providing peace of mind for employers and professionals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Woodville, GA
Adopting hair follicle tests in Woodville, GA ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
It mitigates legal liabilities and augments safety in the workplace.