Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in its strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of nearly three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the chances of tampering are minimal, and it is conveniently shipped.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It’s best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for drug tests encompasses four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary additional data entry if an electronic chain of custody system was not used.
Screening involves a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-effective option for ruling out drug use for most samples, a positive result during Screening necessitates further confirmation for court admissibility. Samples showing potential positivity in Screening undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair drug testing a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is done with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potential positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation, if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Tops Urine Tests in Hutchins, GA
When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine testing, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy. It is more reliable in identifying long-term substance use compared to urine tests, which are limited to short-term detection. This makes hair testing especially beneficial for organizations with stringent drug-use policies, providing clear insight into substance use trends over time.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle tests in Hutchins, GA, provide a broader detection timeframe, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history. By observing drug use patterns over a significant period, organizations can make more informed hiring and monitoring decisions, ensuring a healthier work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hutchins, GA
Hair follicle testing is designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering. This testing process ensures reliable and unquestionable results, as it is much harder to adulterate a hair sample than a urine sample. This robustness in data integrity gives employers and authorities the confidence they need to trust the outcomes completely.
Convenient Testing Locations in Hutchins, GA
With a network of nationwide and local testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing services in Hutchins, GA, is quick and hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures that whether you need a test at a nearby facility or across the state, the process remains straightforward and convenient, accommodating everyone's needs effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hutchins, GA
Our hair follicle testing services offer a straightforward and private approach, addressing concerns of confidentiality and user-friendliness. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to prioritize privacy and simplicity, ensuring that your experience is both comfortable and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hutchins, GA
We offer competitive pricing structures with quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This affordability, coupled with fast result delivery, provides peace of mind and supports companies in maintaining efficient and effective drug testing protocols without excessive financial burden.
In Hutchins, GA, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and rapid results. This testing method ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use, making it a preferred choice for timely and reliable detection. The efficiency of this process not only provides confidence in the results but also helps in making informed decisions, whether for personal or professional purposes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Hutchins, GA, can rely on hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposure and enhancing workplace safety. Using this testing method ensures compliance with regulations and provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing employees are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
