Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive history by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period for alcohol and drugs extending up to about three months. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the breadth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp can provide 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, supplements, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If head hair is missing, body hair in an equivalent quantity may be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers to scalp hair only, while body hair includes all other hair types (like facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample as it's introduced into a lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample’s secure sealing and proper shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial overview for drug presence. Though Screening is a cost-friendly approach to eliminate most samples’ drug usage, a positive result must be verified for court admissibility. Any samples that are likely positive during Screening require further verification.
Should a sample be likely positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction process. Drugs are separated from hair here at much lower levels than other methodologies (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate technique to conduct.
Confirmation on any positive Screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing likely positive results are washed before confirming when necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test inspects the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Woolsey, GA
Hair follicle tests offer superior accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use compared to standard urine tests. They capture drug use history over a far longer period, providing clear insights that urine tests may miss. With unmatched durability in results, hair testing minimizes unchecked drug use in workplace environments.
Extended Detection Window in Woolsey, GA
Extending up to 90 days, hair follicle tests track drug use far beyond the immediate past. This broader detection range assures employers a thorough understanding of a candidate's drug history, enhancing decision-making processes and overall employee safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Woolsey, GA
Hair follicle tests greatly lower the chances of sample tampering. The observed collection process ensures authenticity, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This minimizes the risk of incorrect outcomes due to adulteration.
Nationwide Testing Convenience in Woolsey, GA
Accredited Drug Testing guarantees nationwide test centers, including convenient locations within Woolsey, GA. This accessibility ensures swift, efficient, and hassle-free testing experiences, catering to local and extensive corporate needs.
Simple and Confidential Process in Woolsey, GA
The process for hair testing maintains simplicity and confidentiality from end to end. Users can order, take, and obtain results while ensuring privacy, promoting confidence and comfort throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Woolsey, GA
With competitive pricing structures and expedited processing times, our hair follicle testing promises impressive value. This affordability, paired with quick results, underscores an attractive option for businesses of every size.
Fast, Accurate Results in Woolsey, GA
Hair follicle testing is known for its precision, offering rapid and truthful detection of substance use. The accuracy ensures confidence for employers when reviewing potential hires or current staff, making it a reliable choice for professional and legal environments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind in Woolsey, GA
Employing hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. Businesses benefit from increased safety and enhanced trust in regulatory compliance, ensuring peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.