Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
With increasing relevance, hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug involvement. If obtained close to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug activity over a period extending up to around 90 days. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil), collected nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, specialized tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We advocate for the sample to be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may substitute. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair in our context. The term body hair encompasses all other kinds, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing drug test results comprise four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first incorporated into the lab’s system. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is generated, and any additional details not covered by an electronic system are entered.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. While it is an economical way to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive result at this stage must undergo Confirmation to hold up legally. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Specimens showing presumptive positivity during Screening have additional hair extracted from the original sample and then prepared for Extraction. This phase involves drawing drugs from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug tests as the most intricate methodology to undertake.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcomes utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive specimens undergo a washing step as required before Confirmation. The entire lab process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—adheres to reviews under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual testing focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Arial, SC
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Arial, SC, the former stands out for its broader detection window and accuracy. Hair testing reliably identifies substance use over months rather than days.
This gives employers confidence when enforcing drug-free workplace policies.
Extended Detection Window in Arial, SC
Unlike traditional drug tests, hair follicle testing in Arial, SC, extends the detection period for up to 90 days. This allows employers a panoramic view of an applicant or employee's drug use history, presenting a clearer picture of their habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Arial, SC
Hair follicle testing provides a robust solution against sample tampering, assuring clients in Arial, SC of reliable test outcomes. Unlike urine tests, which are vulnerable to adulteration, hair tests are highly secure. This method significantly curbs the chance of tampering, guaranteeing that the results obtained are genuine, fostering trust and accuracy in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Arial, SC
Accredited Drug Testing provides unmatched convenience with its nationwide and local testing facilities in Arial, SC. Clients can access testing services effortlessly through a wide array of centers, making the process swift and stress-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Arial, SC
The process of ordering, undertaking, and acquiring results from a hair follicle drug test in Arial, SC is both straightforward and private. Our protocols are designed to prioritize confidentiality and ease, making certain that user's privacy is guarded. With a simple, streamlined approach, clients can have confidence in a private and user-friendly testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Arial, SC
In Arial, SC, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our service provides excellent value to businesses of all scales.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Arial, SC
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise outcomes, making them an excellent choice in Arial, SC. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy and delivers results quickly. This makes it highly dependable for those needing to ascertain substance use.
The speed with which results are obtained is just one advantage. Employers and individuals benefit from an efficient and trustworthy testing process, ensuring substance use is detected with precision, backed by the consistency of results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Arial, SC
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Arial, SC, enables employers to maintain rigorous workplace policies on drug use. This testing method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, reducing potential legal liabilities.
