Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a long-term timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as the strand grows. Once collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use information for up to roughly three months. Collection is uncomplicated, tampering is challenging, and shipping is straightforward.
A 1.5-inch sample containing about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. While screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be court-admissible. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is gathered from the sample for the Extraction phase. This stage extracts drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underlining hair drug screening as the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Georgetown, GA, hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests. Its extended detection period offers a longer retrospective view into substance use, uncovering habits that urine tests might miss.
Reliability is a cornerstone of hair testing, making it a preferred choice for employers focused on accuracy over short-term drug detection.
Hair follicle testing in Georgetown, GA, offers an extended detection window. This method checks for drug use up to 90 days prior, providing a holistic view of a person's substance use history.
The longer detection span is particularly beneficial for employers, helping them evaluate an individual's long-term habits effectively, ensuring a safer work environment.
Georgetown, GA, relies on hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant nature. The test significantly minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring dependable results.
With this method, the integrity of the test is maintained, as the chances of adulteration are remarkably reduced compared to other testing approaches.
Nationwide and local testing centers in Georgetown, GA, offer convenience. Testing services are accessible and hassle-free, with facilities spread across the nation to meet the needs of any schedule.
Our easily accessible locations ensure that drug testing is not a logistical challenge for individuals or businesses in need of such services.
The process for hair follicle testing in Georgetown, GA, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is designed to address privacy concerns, ensuring ease of use.
Individuals can expect a straightforward experience, with privacy and confidentiality prioritized at every stage of the testing process.
Georgetown, GA, benefits from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Businesses of all sizes find value in our cost-effective and timely services.
Cost efficiency combined with rapid result delivery provides a good balance between affordability and quality in drug testing services.
Hair follicle drug testing in Georgetown, GA, offers unparalleled accuracy. It can identify substance use with high precision, providing trustworthy results. Testing processes are expedited, ensuring that results are both quick and reliable.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing makes it a top choice for those seeking fast turnaround times. Not only is the test precise, but it also ensures dependable detection of various substances.
Employers in Georgetown, GA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting workplace safety.
By adopting this testing approach, companies can confidently maintain their commitment to a secure and accountable work environment.
