Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a significant method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. Hair provides an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide up to roughly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the first stage of processing a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data required beyond an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be admissible in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening mandate an additional confirmation process.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair over urine testing in Howard, GA, offers clearer benefits. Hair tests display superior detection accuracy and reliability that urine tests may lack, providing a thorough assessment of drug use.
Enhanced Detection is one of the main advantages. The hair test's adeptness at revealing past substance use is unrivaled, presenting a significant edge over more traditional urine testing methods.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Howard, GA, grants employers an in-depth view of an individual's drug history. Unlike traditional tests, hair testing can disclose drug use over up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive picture.
This longer detection ability allows companies to make informed decisions. It ensures that both current employees and potential hires maintain a drug-free lifestyle over a more extended timeframe.
Hair follicle tests stand out in Howard, GA, due to their tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, offering reliable results that cannot be easily questioned.
The integrity of this testing process assures employers and professionals of the authenticity of the results, thus enhancing confidence in the overall testing methods used.
In Howard, GA, the convenience of nationwide and local testing locations supports quick and accessible hair follicle drug testing. These centers are strategically placed to facilitate easy and hassle-free access to testing services.
This network of facilities guarantees a seamless experience for clients who need efficient and widespread testing options, thus supporting seamless operations.
The simple and confidential process for ordering, administering, and receiving hair follicle test results in Howard, GA, emphasizes privacy and ease of use. It addresses the concerns of those undergoing testing.
Maintaining confidentiality throughout the testing process is paramount, ensuring clients’ information and results are protected, thus fostering trust and comfort in the testing procedure.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Howard, GA, offer excellent value. This is ideal for companies of all sizes seeking affordable drug testing options.
The combination of quick processing and reasonable cost ensures that businesses receive efficient service without compromising on quality, thus providing peace of mind for employers.
The hair follicle drug test is recognized for its rapid and precise results, especially in Howard, GA. The test's ability to consistently detect substance use accurately is unmatched, providing clients with the certainty they need.
Speed and accuracy are hallmarks of the hair testing method. In Howard, GA, this form of testing can identify a wide range of substances efficiently, giving timely and trustworthy results that aid employers and professionals.
Hair follicle testing for substance use ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Howard, GA. By implementing these tests, employers foster a safer work environment while reducing potential legal issues.
The peace of mind gained from using this testing method allows employers to rest assured that they are upholding stringent policies, thus complementing their commitment to safety and ethical standards at work.
