Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as a potent method for uncovering substance use has grown. Hair encases a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as it grows. Closer to the scalp collection offers nearly a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, offers some resistance to tampering, and is convenient for shipping.
A specimen close to 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands or the thickness of a #2 pencil, near the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred sample size for tests. For EtG options and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg should be obtained. The weight of the specimen should ideally be measured using a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is present, an equivalent measure of body hair may be utilized. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair; body hair includes all other types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test, which include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory process of inputting a sample into a lab’s records. It encompasses checking the sample’s seal and shipment, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data input not covered through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening executes a preliminary swift evaluation for substance misuse. Screening is budget-efficient for negating drug usage in most samples, yet any positive indication in screening demands further confirmation to be court-valid. Samples that return a presumptive positive from screening must undergo verification.
When screening suggests a positive result, additional hair from the original batch undergoes preparation for Extraction. This stage involves removing drugs from hair at significantly lesser concentrations than alternate methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting hair drug screening as particularly challenging.
Validation of a positive screening outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation, if required. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Junction City, GA.
Hair follicle testing presents numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. Not only does it provide a longer detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days, but it also demonstrates superior reliability and accuracy, securing better insights for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Junction City, GA.
One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing is its capability to identify drug use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This broader window allows employers to gain a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, ensuring more informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Junction City, GA.
Hair follicle tests greatly reduce the risk of sample tampering, providing reliable and unquestionable outcomes. The nature of hair sample collection and analysis minimizes opportunities for adulteration, producing steadfast results that can be trusted.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Junction City, GA.
Our widespread testing center network simplifies the process, granting easy and efficient access to testing services. Whether for local residents or those across the country, accessing the necessary testing is hassle-free and streamlined.
Simple, Confidential Process in Junction City, GA.
With a straightforward, confidential process, ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing is seamless and private. Each step, from scheduling to receiving results, addresses privacy concerns and ensures a user-friendly experience without compromising on confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Junction City, GA.
Our competitive pricing and swift result turnaround times provide great value, serving businesses of all sizes efficiently. This approach not only keeps costs manageable but also ensures that companies receive their results promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Junction City, GA.
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their speed and precision. They excel in accurately pinpointing substance use, offering confirmed results. The methodology employed in hair drug testing in Junction City ensures that each step, from collection to analysis, is executed with precision, guaranteeing high reliability and trustworthiness.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Junction City, GA.
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, lessening legal vulnerabilities and promoting a safer work environment. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing that they have implemented a robust drug testing protocol.
