Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extensive historical record of these substances by locking biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand. A sample taken close to the scalp can present a detection period of approximately three months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is quite challenging, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, optional add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair is an acceptable alternative. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result consists of four chief steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing stage within a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completes data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary procedure to detect drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation for validity in legal settings. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), hence, hair drug testing is the most challenging to execute.
The Confirmation of any presumptive positive result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. This comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the hair follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rome, GA: Hair testing offers greater detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. It provides a longer detection window, capturing a history of drug use and showcasing any patterns, becoming a superior choice for thorough drug screening.
Extended Detection Window in Rome, GA: Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to detect substance use for up to 90 days. This extended timeframe gives employers a detailed view of an individual's drug use history, aiding in more informed decision-making for workforce management.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rome, GA: One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing clear and reliable results that are far less susceptible to cheating.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rome, GA: Accredited Drug Testing simplifies access to hair follicle testing with its widespread centers across the nation, including Rome, GA. This accessibility ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing for efficient and uncomplicated drug screening services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rome, GA: The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and discreet. This safeguarding of privacy, alongside ease of use, addresses any individual's concerns regarding personal confidentiality and the testing procedure's simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rome, GA: Our competitively priced hair follicle testing services offer a fast turnaround, providing businesses of all sizes with optimal value. These characteristics make our testing solutions cost-effective, ensuring peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Delivering Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rome, GA: Hair follicle drug tests provide remarkable precision and swiftness, ensuring high accuracy in substance detection. With quick processing times, these tests deliver reliable results, making them a preferred choice for those seeking quick and trustworthy drug screening solutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rome, GA: By incorporating hair follicle testing, employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. This test method provides a level of assurance and peace of mind for companies striving for compliance.
