Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly been recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for tests involving screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be present, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to every other kind of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential steps in the lab analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's database. This step comprises ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data not included via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening refers to a preliminary fast assessment of drug presence. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screening result must be validated to hold up in legal proceedings. Any samples marked as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is marked presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this procedure, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral saliva), which illustrates why hair drug screening is the most complex technique to execute.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation if required. The full lab progression from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure assesses the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Lithonia, GA, hair follicle tests are superior alternatives to urine tests due to their extended detection capabilities and more reliable results. Unlike urine tests, which indicate more recent drug use, hair tests offer a broader detection window, ensuring accurate evaluation of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive view of drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, in Lithonia, GA. This extended detection window enables employers to gain a more detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, valuable information when assessing suitability for positions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Lithonia, GA, hair follicle tests offer significantly reduced risk of sample tampering compared to traditional methods. The integrity of hair samples ensures reliable outcomes, making hair testing the preferred choice for obtaining unequivocal results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Access to our extensive network of testing centers ensures quick and easy hair follicle drug testing in Lithonia, GA. Our nationwide locations provide convenience, facilitating a hassle-free process for those seeking comprehensive testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Lithonia, GA, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns with a streamlined approach.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Lithonia, GA, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced, offering excellent value. Combined with fast turnaround times, companies are assured of efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions that meet their needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Lithonia, GA, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are second to none. These tests ensure high accuracy in detecting substance use through an efficient process. Quick processing and accurate results means users can trust the reliability of their assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
For employers in Lithonia, GA, hair follicle testing is crucial for ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind to employers and a secure working environment.
