Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oakwood, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have emerged as a potent mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. If harvested near the scalp, hair provides an approximate three-month window for substance detection. It is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the circumference of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

In cases of presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to perform.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is rigorously examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection window.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Provides historical insights: It can demonstrate a pattern of drug use over time rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more compared to other testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can alter the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Choose Hair Testing: In Oakwood, GA, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests due to superior detection capability.

Hair tests are more reliable and provide a longer detection window, uncovering drug use up to 90 days back, compared to urine tests' limited timeframe.

The enhanced accuracy of hair follicle testing makes it a preferred method, giving clearer insights into substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Oakwood, GA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days.

This duration allows employers to gain comprehensive views of an individual's substance use history, far beyond the reach of typical urine tests.

By using hair testing, businesses achieve better oversight of applicants' and employees' long-term drug use patterns, aiding in informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Oakwood, GA, significantly minimize sample tampering risks, providing trustworthy outcomes.

The collection process's inherent resistance to adulteration ensures results remain unquestionable and reliable under scrutiny.

Adopting this method means embracing accuracy and integrity in drug testing, ensuring authentic results every time.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide centers and local access in Oakwood, GA, drug testing is now more accessible than ever.

You benefit from hassle-free testing services, ensuring quick and easy access whenever needed.

Our widespread network simplifies the testing process, offering a seamless experience for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ordering, taking, and receiving results from our hair follicle tests in Oakwood, GA, is straightforward.

The process is designed for confidentiality and ease, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

At each step, we ensure simplicity, making drug testing a stress-free experience for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Oakwood, GA, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift results.

Businesses of all sizes appreciate the value, benefiting from quick turnarounds that support their operational needs.

Excellent Value: Affordable rates allow your company to reap the benefits of rigorous drug testing without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing in Oakwood, GA, set it apart. Results are not only fast but also highly accurate, capturing substance use patterns effectively.

Fast and Reliable: Hair tests deliver rapid outcomes, ensuring you receive accurate assessments without delays.

Their ability to consistently provide precise data makes hair testing a top choice for detecting drug use, offering reliable insights every time.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Oakwood, GA, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing's compliance with drug-free workplace policies.

This method reduces legal risks associated with workplace safety violations, ensuring employers maintain a safe and productive environment.

Hair testing fortifies company policies, providing assurance against substance-related issues.

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