Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs, capturing biomarkers within the growing hair's strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reflect up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to mail.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any further data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening encompasses a preliminary rapid evaluation for abused substances. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-acceptable. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and fulfills ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McBee, SC
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers remarkable detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may miss some recent substance use, hair tests provide a far-reaching view of usage patterns.
Extended Detection Window in McBee, SC
Hair follicle testing provides prolonged detection periods, capturing drug use over the past 90 days. This extensive window helps employers or individuals gain a complete understanding of a person’s substance history, offering a crucial insight not available with urinanalysis.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McBee, SC
The nature of hair follicle testing significantly cuts down the risk of sample tampering, allowing for credible and unverifiable results. It assures all stakeholders of the integrity of the testing process and outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McBee, SC
The ease of access to our nationwide testing centers means quick and convenient testing services are always within reach. Whether locally in McBee or across the nation, our centers are prepared to cater to your needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in McBee, SC
Our testing procedures are 'straightforward and private', making sure your privacy is respected from start to finish. Ordering tests, getting tested, and receiving results are made effortlessly simple.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McBee, SC
We offer competitive pricing structures, ensuring you receive excellent value, alongside rapid result delivery, minimizing wait times for companies of various sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McBee, SC
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests provide a highly accurate view of substance use, ensuring results you can trust. The efficiency of the testing process translates into quick turnaround times, making it a preferred choice for both individuals and businesses in McBee, SC.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McBee, SC
Integrating hair follicle testing into workplace policies ensures adherence to drug-free environments, mitigating legal liabilities and bolstering safety protocols. Employers can confidently maintain a secure and compliant workplace.
