Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment has emerged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an extended history record for substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When procured near the scalp, hair can present up to about a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, considered the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. Head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair alone, while body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The method involves four primary stages in processing a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, an initial process involves incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional information not specified by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances. This method is cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage in most samples; however, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen tests tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation, as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to review standards of CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle underneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Braswell, GA, hair follicle tests offer distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing stands out with superior detection accuracy and enhanced reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests identify drug use over a more extended period, reducing the window for false negatives.
Hair follicle testing is profoundly beneficial in Braswell, GA, due to its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug usage for up to 90 days, it provides a detailed assessment of an individual's substance history. This long-term view is invaluable for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's past drug use.
The hair follicle testing method in Braswell, GA, significantly decreases the likelihood of sample tampering, offering unquestionable reliability. Its process naturally resists external alterations, ensuring authentic results.
With convenient locations nationwide, including Braswell, GA, our hair follicle testing services are easily accessible. Testing centers are widespread, ensuring quick and hassle-free access to services, streamlining the testing experience for all users.
In Braswell, GA, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential, assuring privacy and ease. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are straightforward steps, addressing concerns about ease of use and confidentiality.
Our hair follicle testing services in Braswell, GA, are known for their affordability and fast turnaround. Competitive pricing structures make this testing accessible, providing excellent value alongside rapid results, ideal for businesses of any size.
In Braswell, GA, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their speed and precision. These tests quickly deliver accurate results, pinpointing substance use with exceptional reliability. This swift and precise testing process allows individuals and organizations to make informed decisions promptly.
For employers in Braswell, GA, adopting hair follicle testing fosters compliance and peace of mind. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, decreasing legal vulnerabilities and bolstering safety within the workplace.