Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If collected near the scalp, hair delivers up to roughly a three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. It's easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments surpassing 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable samount from other body parts can be used. By 'head hair', we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps within the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample into the lab’s records. This step covers verifying intact seal and proper shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary line of defense against drug use. Despite its cost-efficiency for negating drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally admissible. Presumptively positive Screening samples require secondary confirmation.
If a Screening sample turns presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the toughest to execute.
Positive screening confirmations employ GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. All presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab procedure undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently named "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually investigates the hair strand, not the under-scalp follicle
When evaluating drug testing methods in Richwood, GA, hair follicle assessments prove advantageous over traditional urine tests. These tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing surpasses urine tests by detecting drugs taken over a longer period, offering a more extensive snapshot of an individual's drug history. This results in greater assurance for organizations aiming to maintain a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing excels in Richwood, GA due to its extended 90-day detection window. This prolonged period offers employers a well-rounded perspective on an individual's past substance use. Unlike other tests, it captures a comprehensive drug history, serving as an invaluable tool for those serious about understanding an applicant or employee's detailed consumption patterns, thereby enhancing the decision-making process.
In Richwood, GA, hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration compared to other testing approaches. This integrity ensures that results are reliable and above question, ultimately offering peace of mind to organizations seeking trustworthy data on drug use and affirming the effectiveness of their drug policies.
Our Richwood, GA location is part of a nationwide network of testing centers, ensuring you have easy and convenient access to testing services. With a robust presence in every city, scheduling a test is hassle-free, offering timely and efficient solutions for all clients, thereby fulfilling various drug testing needs regardless of geographic constraints.
In Richwood, GA, our process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering a test, undergoing the procedure, and receiving results are all straightforward and respectful of privacy concerns. Clients can remain assured that their data is handled with care, and the entire process is user-friendly, making participation effortless.
Offering competitive pricing and prompt turnaround in Richwood, GA, our hair follicle testing service provides excellent value. Companies, regardless of size, can appreciate the combination of fair pricing and rapid delivery of results, enhancing their operations without undue financial strain, while gaining peace of mind about their drug testing needs.
In Richwood, GA, hair follicle drug tests shine with their precision and speed. These tests offer highly accurate insights into substance use. They are superior in identifying a wide range of drugs, ensuring that results are timely and reliable. The hair testing method minimizes the possibility of errors, providing employers and individuals confidence in the outcome of the assessments.
Deploying hair follicle testing in Richwood, GA provides compliance and enhances peace of mind for employers. Adhering to workplace drug-free policies is straightforward with this testing, which reduces legal risks and fosters a safer working environment. Committed employers gain confidence knowing their policies are upheld, contributing to a harmonious workspace.