Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is gaining recognition as an effective strategy for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended history of alcohol and drug use. Gathered from close to the scalp region, hair samples provide a detection timeline of up to three months for both alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, resisting alteration, and can be easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length and comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil width) will produce 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG analyses, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. “Head hair” refers solely to scalp hair, while “body hair” includes facial, axillary, and other types.
Process Overview
The procedure for processing drug test outcomes in a laboratory consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase, where a sample is incorporated into the laboratory system. This step confirms the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any supplementary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary review for the presence of drugs of abuse. While a cost-efficient measure to eliminate drug usage in most cases, a positive screen mandates confirmation for court validity. Presumptively positive samples from Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a Screening yield presumptively positive results, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and redirected for Extraction. This phase involves drug extraction from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS protocols. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation where required. The laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled “hair follicle tests”, they actually assess the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, their superior detection and reliability shine through. In Waverly, GA, hair testing offers an unmatched ability to catch drug use thanks to a longer detection window. Unlike urine tests, which can be tampered with, hair testing provides a more foolproof diagnostic method, leaving little room for error or manipulation.
With the ability to reveal drug use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Waverly, GA gives a complete overview of an individual’s substance history. This extended detection period is invaluable for employers seeking thorough evaluations, as it reveals sustained drug use patterns and helps inform sound hiring decisions.
The hair follicle testing method significantly minimizes the chances of tampering with samples. In Waverly, GA, this ensures that results are reliable and cannot be easily manipulated, making it a trustworthy option for organizations aiming to maintain high standards of drug-free policies without the risk of adulteration.
Convenience is one of the standout features of our testing services in Waverly, GA. With testing locations available nationwide, we guarantee easy access to all our clients. This network ensures that testing is quick and efficient, removing any possible obstacles to getting the necessary services promptly.
Hair follicle testing in Waverly, GA is designed to be straightforward and confidential. The process of ordering, testing, and receiving results is streamlined for user-friendliness. Privacy is of utmost importance, ensuring clients feel secure and respected throughout their experience.
With competitive pricing and fast result turnaround times, our services in Waverly, GA offer outstanding value. We cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring that the affordability and efficiency of our hair follicle testing meet the needs of every employer, allowing them to operate smoothly and economically.
The precision and rapidity with which hair follicle drug tests deliver results is unparalleled. Hair testing is known for its high degree of accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both fast and reliable for all clients in Waverly, GA. The confidence in knowing results are trustworthy provides peace of mind for employers and individuals alike.
Employers in Waverly, GA find comfort in using hair follicle testing to maintain drug-free workplaces. This method supports corporate compliance and minimizes legal risks. By adopting hair testing, businesses ensure safety and reliability, thus preserving peace of mind while safeguarding organizational integrity.
