Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol alongside other substances by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 3-month time frame for drug and alcohol detection. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of about 200 hair strands—or the size of a #2 pencil—taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use a specimen of 150mg. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When indicating head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This consists of confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be accepted in a legal setting. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Upon receiving a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually on the hair strand, not the sub-scalp hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior: The benefits of hair testing over urine tests in Druid Hills, GA, are clear. It provides superior detection for drug and alcohol use. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it the preferred choice for organizations needing precise results. When speed and clarity are paramount, hair testing undoubtedly offers an edge.
Prolonged Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Druid Hills, GA, boasts a remarkable detection capacity of up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers an extensive overview of an individual's drug usage history, surpassing the narrower timelines of urine tests, thus ensuring a comprehensive understanding of a potential employee's substance interactions.
Hair follicle testing in Druid Hills, GA, stands strong as a tamper-resistant method, reducing sample adulteration risks significantly. Its integrity: provides clear and unquestionable results, positioning it as a trusted resource against manipulation. Thanks to its robustness, employers can rely on its outcomes for accountability.
Testing Accessibility: The convenience of nationwide and local testing centers in Druid Hills, GA, is undeniable. These centers provide quick, hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services, simplifying the process for individuals and companies seeking timely and efficient screening solutions without extensive wait times.
Streamlined Process: In Druid Hills, GA, ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential. The process is user-friendly, maintaining privacy through every step—from ordering to receiving results. This ensures an ease of use that addresses privacy concerns effectively.
Cost-effective & Prompt: Hair follicle testing in Druid Hills, GA, is priced competitively with rapid turnaround times. By combining affordability with fast results, companies can enjoy substantial value, reduced waiting periods, and ensuring informed decisions that meet organizational needs efficiently.
Hair follicle testing in Druid Hills, GA, is fast, accurate, and reliable, offering unmatched precision in detecting drugs. Benefits include: quick processing and a high level of accuracy, allowing individuals and employers to receive prompt results. This method holds a superior position over others due to its capability to effectively trace substance use, ensuring informed decisions with confidence.
Assuring Compliance: Employers in Druid Hills, GA, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, safeguarding compliance with drug-free policies. This method diminishes legal risks while boosting workplace safety, ensuring adherence to regulations and creating a secure, substance-free environment for employees.
