Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to three months for substances. The collection process is straightforward, the risk of tampering is relatively low, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. Head hair specifically means scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample within a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing any missing data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Presumptive positives in Screening require confirmation through further testing.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid); hence, hair drug analysis is the most intricate to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", this assessment examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Atlanta, IL
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are compelling, with superior detection reliability and accuracy. Hair analyses extend the timeline for detecting substance use, offering a broader snapshot of individual behavior. Unlike urine tests, which provide a limited detection window, hair tests ensure a more comprehensive understanding.
Extended Detection Window in Atlanta, IL
Hair follicle analyses are renowned for their ability to track substance use over a prolonged duration, up to 90 days post-consumption. For employers, this expansive detection window delivers a holistic view of an applicant or employee's substance usage patterns, offering invaluable insights that short-term tests cannot provide.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Atlanta, IL
Hair follicle testing stands as a robust deterrent against tampering, offering unalterable results that withstand scrutiny. This testing method drastically minimizes any risk of sample tampering or adulteration. It provides reassuring consistency and dependability, fostering trust in the results gathered through this process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Atlanta, IL
Our expansive network of testing facilities nationwide, including Atlanta, IL, guarantees swift and stress-free access to drug testing services. Accessible from any major city, these locations underscore our commitment to convenience and availability, ensuring testing needs are met swiftly and effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Atlanta, IL
The process for arranging, executing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and discreet. Privacy concerns are top priority, providing seamless user experience without compromising personal data or comfort, assuring confidentiality from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Atlanta, IL
Competitive pricing and rapid result delivery define our service, offering compelling value for businesses. From small ventures to large corporations, the cost-effectiveness combined with swift turnaround bolsters transactional ease, giving clients outstanding service without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Atlanta, IL
Hair follicle drug evaluations boast exceptional speed and precision, delivering definitive results. This testing method is unmatched in its capacity to detect even trace amounts of substances, granting peace of mind for those needing swift and precise insights into drug use cases. Its high accuracy level distinguishes it as the best choice for rigorous scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Atlanta, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing assures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks significantly. It contributes to a safe work environment, enhancing both compliance and peace of mind for companies. Employers benefit from the assurance that they are meeting regulatory standards in maintaining a safe, productive workplace.
