Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records an extended timeline of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair strand sample (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) containing about 200 strands from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results includes four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This step confirms the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary inspection for abused drugs. While Screening is an economical option to exclude drug usage in most cases, positive screens must be confirmed to be valid in legal situations. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drug content is extracted from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening uniquely challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests in Huntsville, GA, hair testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Hair testing provides greater accuracy and reliability, recognizing substance use over extended periods. Traditional urine tests may miss prolonged substance abuse, making hair tests a preferred choice.
Employers in Huntsville, GA benefit from hair follicle testing due to its vast detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period provides a more comprehensive view of an employee's substance history, valuable for drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Huntsville, GA minimizes the chance of sample adulteration, offering a tamper-resistant solution. This testing method provides reliable results, crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.
Our nationwide network, including Huntsville, GA, offers convenient, local access to drug testing services. This ensures a hassle-free experience when needing a hair follicle test.
Ordering a hair follicle test in Huntsville, GA is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Our process ensures results are delivered securely and with ease.
Huntsville, GA businesses benefit from our affordable pricing and rapid turnaround of hair follicle test results. The value offered is unmatched, ensuring cost efficiency.
Hair follicle testing in Huntsville, GA is renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method excels in precise substance detection, offering a higher accuracy level compared to other testing forms. The quick turnaround time combined with precision makes this method ideal for those needing quick results.
For Huntsville, GA employers, hair follicle testing supports compliance and peace of mind, aligning with workplace drug-free protocols. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and enhances safety.
