Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a vital method for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. The hair locks in biomarkers within its strands as it grows, thus chronicling a long-term record of substance intake. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can signpost drug and alcohol consumption within an estimated 3-month span. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (about the girth of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, establishing the prime sample for examination and validation. For an EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferable. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. Where scalp hair isn’t an option, a comparable body hair amount can be gathered. Whenever discussing head hair, this strictly pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of a drug analysis encompasses four distinct phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial step of inputting a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step verifies the sample’s proper sealing and dispatching, assigns a distinct LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entries not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening corresponds to an initial expedited evaluation for drug abuse. Though economically favorable for ruling out drug consumption in most samples, positive screening outcomes must be validated to hold up in legal proceedings. Any samples testing tentatively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
For samples preliminarily positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably smaller concentration than alternative means (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug analysis ranks as a particularly challenging methodology.
Confirmation of a positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," these tests specifically assess the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior in Sterling, GA When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the benefits are clear. Hair tests offer superior accuracy and reliability, with a much wider detection window. While urine tests excel in identifying very recent use, hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive analysis of an individual's drug use history, offering greater peace of mind for employers in Sterling, GA.
Extended Detection Window: A Comprehensive View in Sterling, GA Hair follicle testing uniquely allows for a longer detection period, typically up to 90 days. This feature provides employers in Sterling, GA, with a thorough understanding of a person's drug use history, proving invaluable when considering an applicant or monitoring an existing employee's compliance with company policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing: Ensuring Integrity in Sterling, GA Hair follicle drug tests offer significant advantages in terms of reliability, as they are highly resistant to tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests are extremely challenging to adulterate, providing unquestionable results that businesses in Sterling, GA can trust to maintain safety and integrity in the workplace.
Convenient Testing Locations in Sterling, GA and Nationwide The accessibility of hair follicle drug testing is enhanced by our network of nationwide and local testing centers. In Sterling, GA, as well as other regions, individuals and companies can benefit from the convenience of quick and hassle-free access to our services, supporting swift implementation of drug testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process for Hair Testing in Sterling, GA Our approach to hair drug testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, we prioritize privacy and convenience. This ensures that individuals and businesses in Sterling, GA can address their testing needs efficiently, without compromising on confidentiality or ease of use.
Affordable and Fast: Hair Testing Solutions in Sterling, GA With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Sterling, GA presents an excellent value proposition for companies of all sizes. Our affordable pricing structures align with our commitment to delivering efficient results, ensuring that even small businesses can implement robust drug testing policies without undue financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, Reliable: Hair Follicle Testing in Sterling, GA Hair follicle testing stands out with its remarkable precision and rapidity. This form of drug screening is known for its high accuracy, as it efficiently identifies substance use over an extended period. In Sterling, GA, individuals and employers rely on hair tests to obtain fast, trustworthy results concerning drug consumption history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Hair Testing in Sterling, GA Implementing hair follicle drug testing helps employers in Sterling, GA, adhere to their drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks while promoting a safe and compliant work environment. Such diligence not only aligns with corporate policies but also enhances workplace safety.
