Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective tool for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair provides a long-term record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the structure of growing hair strands. When obtained close to the scalp, a hair sample can cover roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. Steps include checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legally admissible. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a tentative positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive are washed before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Testing Over Urine Testing?
Vernonburg, GA, embraces hair follicle testing for its superior detection.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle drug tests in Vernonburg, GA, offer extended detection up to 90 days. This allows employers to assess a more comprehensive drug use history of applicants or employees, ensuring informed decisions. With a prolonged detection window, businesses gain a broader perspective on substance usage trends.
In Vernonburg, GA, hair follicle testing reduces the risk of sample tampering. The method ensures integrity and reliability of results by minimizing adulteration possibilities, thus providing authentic results.
Convenient Testing Locations
Nationwide and local centers in Vernonburg, GA offer swift, easy access to drug testing. Accredited Drug Testing ensures a hassle-free experience, making it straightforward for businesses and individuals in need of testing services.
Simple and Confidential Process
In Vernonburg, GA, hair follicle testing involves a straightforward, confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is kept secure for all individuals. This ensures ease and peace of mind for anyone undergoing substance testing.
Affordable Pricing and Rapid Turnaround
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive rates and quick result times in Vernonburg, GA.
In Vernonburg, GA, hair follicle drug testing ensures quick, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. Benefits:
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind
Employers in Vernonburg, GA can enhance safety and legal compliance through hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free policies and reduces legal risks.
