Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair records a long-term history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to adulteration, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is scarce, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially found positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In the bustling city of Atlanta, NY, the comparison between hair follicle and urine testing reveals clear advantages for hair testing. The heightened detection accuracy makes hair testing a more reliable choice for discovering substance use, providing an edge over traditional urine tests. This enhanced reliability is complemented by its resistance to tampering.
Hair testing outperforms urine testing by offering a superior analysis window, granting employers in Atlanta, NY, a greater insight into an individual’s drug use history. Its advanced technology and methodology ensure more dependable results, minimizing the drawbacks of urine-based testing approaches.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, offering a detailed view of an individual's substance use history for up to 90 days. For employers in Atlanta, NY, this long-term look into an applicant or employee's background is invaluable, aiding in more comprehensive evaluations.
Thanks to hair follicle testing, organizations in Atlanta, NY, have the advantage of a wider detection scope. This method allows for the identification of drug use over a much longer period, enabling a better assessment of patterns and trends in substance consumption compared to shorter-term tests.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle drug tests is a critical feature for ensuring the integrity of results in Atlanta, NY. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests provide reliable and unquestionable outcomes, offering peace of mind to employers and authorities alike.
With its robust testing method, hair follicle testing in Atlanta, NY, ensures a high level of security against manipulation. This reliable procedure guarantees that results remain unaffected by external interference, making it a preferred choice for sensitive and high-stakes environments.
Convenience is at the forefront of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network, with numerous testing centers available in Atlanta, NY. Accessing drug testing services becomes a simple and hassle-free process, thanks to strategically located facilities that cater to local needs.
Whether you are in Atlanta, NY, or elsewhere nationwide, the extensive reach of our testing services ensures swift and straightforward access to required analyses. The ease of locating a nearby center simplifies logistics, reinforcing the value of our widespread presence.
In Atlanta, NY, opting for hair follicle testing promises a simple and confidential process. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, every step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns about confidentiality.
Our systematic approach in Atlanta, NY, ensures that the testing process remains straightforward, aiding individuals and organizations in achieving their testing objectives efficiently. With a focus on confidentiality, results are securely communicated, safeguarding personal and sensitive information.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Atlanta, NY. Our competitive rates provide excellent value, making it feasible for companies of all sizes to implement regular testing without burdening their budgets.
In addition to cost-effectiveness, our prompt service continuation allows for rapid decision-making using up-to-date information. Companies benefit from budget-friendly testing that doesn’t compromise on quality or speed, ensuring economic efficiency alongside precision.
When it comes to fast, accurate, and reliable drug testing in Atlanta, NY, hair follicle testing is second to none. Unlike traditional methods, these tests offer precision and speed, ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance use. The meticulous nature of the analysis provides results that are both credible and swift.
The hair follicle testing method stands out for its ability to deliver quick results without compromising on precision. In Atlanta, NY, this efficiency allows individuals and organizations to make informed decisions promptly, backed by trustworthy outcomes that reflect current and past drug use.
For employers in Atlanta, NY, hair follicle testing is a key component in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind that statutory and safety obligations are met consistently.
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace protocols in Atlanta, NY, promotes adherence to intricate regulations, diminishing the potential for legal consequences. Additionally, it strengthens workplace safety by identifying illicit drug use, safeguarding both employees and organizational interests.
