Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a powerful method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When harvested near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol usage for up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for screening and thorough checking. For EtG add-ons and tests above 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. In terms of head hair, we only mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This process involves validating the sealed and shipped status of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary validation.
For a sample marked as presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair from the original sample is extracted for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening methodology.
The verification of any positive Screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In South Rockdale, GA, hair follicle testing clearly surpasses traditional urine tests. The detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing provides significant advantages. Hair tests offer a much broader window for detecting substances, thus providing a more comprehensive evaluation. Conversely, urine tests have a shorter detection period, thereby missing some cases of prior usage. Using hair tests ensures more accurate results.
The ability of hair follicle testing to provide an extended detection window makes it highly valuable in South Rockdale, GA. Hair tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, granting employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. This makes hair testing vital for positions that require stringent past substance use evaluation, offering a clearer and longer historical view than other methods.
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the likelihood of sample tampering in South Rockdale, GA. Unquestionable and reliable, they provide an accurate reflection of substance use. Unlike other methods susceptible to fraud, hair tests require strict sample collection procedures, thereby enhancing trust in their results. Employers and authorities can rely on these methods for credible outcomes in drug screening.
With convenient nationwide and local testing locations in South Rockdale, GA, accessing hair follicle testing has never been easier. Our extensive network ensures swift and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Whether located in urban centers or quieter areas, clients are guaranteed seamless service delivery wherever they are.
In South Rockdale, GA, the procedure for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From arranging the test to receiving results, the process is designed to protect privacy while remaining straightforward. Clients can be assured of discreet handling, emphasizing ease of use, which builds confidence in utilizing the service without concerns about privacy breaches.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in South Rockdale, GA, is both economical and efficient. Competitive pricing allows companies of varying sizes to utilize these services without financial strain. Coupled with rapid result delivery, businesses can achieve excellent value while maintaining peace of mind regarding employee substance screening.
The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in South Rockdale, GA, are unmatched. Fast, accurate, and reliable, they stand as the best option for detecting substance use. With high accuracy levels, these tests provide results far superior to other methods, ensuring confidence in their findings. The speed at which tests are processed makes them an excellent choice for time-sensitive situations.
For businesses in South Rockdale, GA, hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind. Implementing such tests solidifies adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal issues. This proactive measure not only addresses safety concerns but also ensures a compliant work environment, fostering a safer and more responsible workforce.
