Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers within its fibers, offering a comprehensive long-term overview of alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair provides an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing phase where a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s system. This step includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary and cost-effective method to check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening can eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that are presumptive positives in Screening need secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging procedure.
All positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Beech Island, SC
In Beech Island, SC, hair follicle testing offers several compelling advantages over traditional urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Beech Island, SC
Hair follicle testing stands out with its prolonged detection period of up to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Beech Island, SC
Hair follicle testing significantly curtails the risk of sample tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Beech Island, SC
Benefit from our strategically placed testing centers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Beech Island, SC
Hair follicle testing in Beech Island, SC, offers simplicity and confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Beech Island, SC
Experience competitive pricing with quick result delivery in Beech Island, SC.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Beech Island, SC
Hair follicle drug tests in Beech Island, SC, are renowned for delivering rapid, precise results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Beech Island, SC
Employers in Beech Island, SC, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing.