Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. By taking a sample from near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a period of about three months. It's straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width), taken closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For advanced testing such as EtG, extended panels, or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair isn't available, collecting the same quantity of body hair is an option. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The principal stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This step involves verifying that the sample's packaging was intact and shipped appropriately, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any other data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While Screening efficiently rules out drug presence in many samples, legal admissibility requires confirmation of a positive result. Any samples with a presumptive positive from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fortson, GA
In the landscape of drug testing, hair follicle tests in Fortson, GA, offer distinguishable advantages over traditional urine tests. Notably, they present a superior accuracy and reliability level. Hair tests have an extended detection period, enabling the identification of drug usage over three months, providing a more comprehensive overview compared to the limited window urine tests offer.
Extended Detection Window in Fortson, GA
One of the defining attributes of hair follicle testing in Fortson, GA, is its ability to detect substance use over an extensive timeframe. This method reveals a user's drug history up to 90 days, delivering employers an expansive understanding of potential hires or current employees' habits. Such extended insight assists companies in maintaining a secure and compliant workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fortson, GA
Hair follicle drug tests significantly lower the chances of sample tampering, ensuring unrivaled reliability in Fortson, GA. This testing method is based on a process that is hard to disguise or alter, offering peace of mind through the provision of authentic and undeniable results. Employers can trust the integrity of the hair test over alternative testing methodologies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fortson, GA
With a network of accessible testing centers, including those in Fortson, GA, obtaining a hair follicle test is convenient and hassle-free. Whether locally or nationwide, individuals can benefit from the ease and expedience of these services, ensuring quick and straightforward testing access for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fortson, GA
In Fortson, GA, our hair follicle testing ensures a straightforward yet confidential procedure for ordering and acquiring test results. This efficient process addresses everyone's privacy concerns, reassuring both employers and employees alike. Steps involved from test processing to results acquisition are simplified for user convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fortson, GA
Offering competitive pricing packages paired with quick result turnaround, hair follicle testing provides excellent value to Fortson, GA, companies of diverse sizes. These features ensure that organizations receive the benefits of first-rate, affordable testing, promoting efficient decision-making processes without budget strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fortson, GA
Hair follicle drug testing in Fortson, GA, stands out for its swift and precise results. The procedure reliably detects various substances that a person may have used, providing solid evidence of any drug involvement. Employers and professionals value this test for its thoroughness and rapid output, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fortson, GA
For businesses in Fortson, GA, employing hair follicle tests offers legal adherence to drug-free policies, ultimately reducing organizational risks. This strategy endorses a safe workplace environment, reassuring employers in their pursuit of maintaining a drug-free atmosphere. The comprehensive results from hair tests contribute to consistent regulatory compliance.
