Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. By obtaining samples close to the scalp, it is possible to achieve roughly a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (around the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, representing the prime sample quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional markers, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all alternate hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a specimen into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in additional data entry, if not already included via an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening signifies an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though it's an economical strategy for negating drug use in most specimens, a positive result requires confirmation to be credible in legal settings. Samples showing potential positivity during Screening necessitate secondary verification.
If a sample indicates a probable positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis poses the greatest challenge.
Verification of any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", they inspect the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing Beats Urine Testing in Comer, GA. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. While urine tests may miss long-term drug use, hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive overview, detecting substances over a much longer period, ensuring policies are thoroughly enforced.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Comer, GA enables detection of drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window provides employers a holistic view of an individual’s substance history, allowing better-informed decisions regarding hiring and workplace safety considerations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Methods in Comer, GA make hair follicle testing a reliable choice. The nature of hair tests significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, which can occur with other methods, delivering unquestionable results and ensuring test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Locations in Comer, GA provide hassle-free access to testing services. Our wide network of testing centers means you never have to travel far, ensuring that test scheduling and completion is as convenient and efficient as possible, tailored to your needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Comer, GA is key to our testing services. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are straightforward, prioritizing your privacy and ease of use. This ensures a streamlined experience, assuaging concerns about data security and handling throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Comer, GA are hallmarks of our services. We offer competitive pricing structures and quick results, providing excellent value across the board for companies of all sizes, ensuring timely and budget-friendly testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable results are crucial in Comer, GA. Hair follicle tests excel in precision and speed, providing highly accurate data on substance use. The technology behind these tests ensures reliable outcomes, giving confidence to employers and individuals alike about the accuracy of drug testing, making it a superior choice over traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Comer, GA is ensured with hair follicle testing. By supporting drug-free workplace policies, hair tests reduce legal risks while enhancing safety, giving employers peace of mind regarding employee compliance with necessary regulations.
