Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage within an estimated timeframe of three months. Collection of hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is preferred. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement is advised. Where head hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. 'Head hair' pertains to scalp hair, while 'body hair' covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This entails confirmation that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination to detect drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug presence on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in judicial proceedings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is constantly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While popularly known as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in White Plains, GA: Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests in both detection accuracy and reliability. Their extended detection periods allow for a comprehensive analysis, revealing more about an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in White Plains, GA: Hair follicle testing effectively identifies drug use over extended periods—up to 90 days. Employers gain a broader perspective on a person's substance use history, making informed hiring decisions easier.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in White Plains, GA: The process of hair follicle testing significantly minimizes risks of sample contamination or tampering, ensuring results remain authentic and indisputable for trustworthy assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in White Plains, GA: Our extensive network of testing centers facilitates easy and seamless access to testing services, allowing for quick and hassle-free appointments across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in White Plains, GA: We offer a straightforward and confidential procedure for ordering, administering, and obtaining test results, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring user convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in White Plains, GA: We provide competitive pricing and prompt result processing, delivering excellent value and reassurance to businesses of all sizes, from small firms to large corporations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in White Plains, GA: Hair follicle testing ensures precision and speed, offering unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests quickly process samples, delivering results efficiently to meet the needs of employers and legal entities.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in White Plains, GA: Employing hair follicle testing contributes to workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies, reducing litigation risks and ensuring a secure and healthy work environment.
