Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of incoming hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the specimen. Should scalp hair not be an option, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. The term scalp hair exclusively pertains to head hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process within the lab for a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any additional data input not captured through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While it is an economical option to discount drug usage in most samples, any positive findings must be confirmed for legal validity. Samples testing positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the original collection and processed for Extraction. During this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening highly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive result from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples marked as potentially positive are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is vetted per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing holds distinct advantages over urine tests in Thunderbolt, GA. This method offers superior detection capability, providing a reliable snapshot of drug use history.
In comparison, urine tests only reveal recent drug activity. Hair testing extends detection to 90 days, allowing for comprehensive assessment. The accuracy of hair tests ensures that results are harder to manipulate, offering reassurance to employers and authorities.
Hair follicle testing in Thunderbolt, GA extends the detection window considerably. While urine tests capture recent drug use, hair tests can detect substances up to 90 days later.
Employers gain a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's history. This extended window aids in making informed hiring or monitoring decisions, emphasizing reliability in drug testing.
In Thunderbolt, GA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests provides unquestionable reliability. This testing method significantly diminishes the probability of sample adulteration.
With enhanced security features, hair tests ensure test integrity, offering peace of mind to employers. Trustworthy results are delivered without possibilities for manipulation or substitution, cementing credibility in the drug testing process.
Our testing centers in Thunderbolt, GA, and across the nation offer unparalleled convenience. With locations nationwide, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is seamless.
This hassle-free service ensures quick and easy access to testing, reducing commute times and enabling timely screenings. Our extensive network supports both local residents and travelers needing testing, promoting convenience at every turn.
In Thunderbolt, GA, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, supporting privacy and convenience. Ordering and receiving results is straightforward.
Clients can trust in a discrete process, alleviating privacy concerns. From scheduling tests to receiving outcomes, each step ensures confidentiality, making drug testing an easy, private matter.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Thunderbolt, GA, our hair follicle testing stands out. Competitive rates and swift results deliver outstanding value to companies.
The economic advantage of our testing services empowers organizations of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective and rapid solutions that cater to their unique needs, without compromising quality.
In Thunderbolt, GA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method excels in offering precise detection of substance use, ensuring trustworthiness in the results.
High Accuracy is a hallmark of hair testing, enabling a clear understanding of an individual's drug use history. Thunderbolt's facilities ensure results are delivered promptly, minimizing waiting times and enhancing decision-making for employers.
For employers in Thunderbolt, GA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Implementing this testing method reduces legal risks and strengthens workplace safety.
Peace of mind comes from knowing employees are adhering to policies. The use of hair follicle tests facilitates a drug-free environment, aligning with regulatory standards and protecting company welfare.