Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a detailed history of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within a timeline of roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, additional testing, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. It includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening represents an initial quick evaluation for drug presence. While Screening offers a cost-effective strategy to negate drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be verified to be legitimate in legal proceedings. Any samples that show a presumptive positive result during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is gaining preference over urine tests in Blacksburg, SC, due to its superiority in detecting substances. With a detection period extending up to 90 days, it provides more comprehensive results compared to limited urine tests. Its reliability ensures minimal false positives or negatives, establishing it as a more trustworthy method.
In Blacksburg, SC, the power of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, capturing drug usage for up to 90 days. This comprehensive coverage allows employers to better understand an individual's substance history, unlike urine tests which offer a much shorter detection period, leading to a more thorough background check.
Hair follicle testing in Blacksburg, SC, is celebrated for its resistance to tampering. The process greatly reduces sample adulteration through its meticulous collection and analysis. Individuals have less opportunity to alter results compared to urine tests, leading to trustworthy and unimpeachable outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a convenient network of nationwide centers, including in Blacksburg, SC. This accessibility means quick and hassle-free service for those requiring tests, making it suitable for local businesses needing efficient testing solutions without travel inconvenience.
In Blacksburg, SC, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are streamlined, ensuring client privacy. This ease of use addresses all privacy concerns, making it ideal for individuals and companies focused on discreet testing.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid results, our hair follicle testing in Blacksburg, SC, delivers excellent value. With quick turnaround times and affordable rates, it's designed to suit businesses of any size by providing high-quality testing without breaking the budget.
In Blacksburg, SC, hair follicle testing is unmatched in precision and speed. Unlike other methods, it offers highly accurate detection of substance use, maintaining reliability throughout the process. Results are swiftly delivered without compromising accuracy, making it ideal for those needing quick and accurate assessments.
For employers in Blacksburg, SC, hair follicle tests ensure adherence to drug-free policies. This compliance reduces the risk of legal troubles while upholding safety in the workplace. By implementing this method, businesses can confidently maintain a secure and controlled working environment.
