Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over approximately a 3-month period. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a number two pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair—ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used instead. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample entry into a laboratory system, ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any other necessary information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for ruling out drug presence in most samples, confirmed positive results are essential for legal proceedings. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for the Extraction step. Here, drug extraction occurs at significantly lower concentrations than urine or oral fluid methodologies, making hair testing uniquely challenging.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that test presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Centenary, SC, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior alternative to traditional urine testing. Notably, its enhanced detection accuracy offers a more reliable glimpse into an individual's substance use history, revolutionizing standard testing practices.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests surpasses that of urine tests, giving employers a comprehensive view and reinforcing the effectiveness of hair testing over more conventional methods.
With the capability to identify drug usage over a span of up to 90 days, hair follicle drug testing in Centenary, SC, provides employers with invaluable insight into an individual's substance use history.
Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period, hair testing offers a prolonged window, making it an ideal choice for employers who wish to ensure a reliable assessment of an applicant or employee's long-term drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Centenary, SC, significantly undermines the potential for sample tampering, thanks to its robust method of collection and analysis.
Unlike urine tests, which can sometimes fall prey to adulteration, hair tests offer peace of mind through their reliable process, ensuring more dependable and undisputable results for various testing needs.
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of convenient screening centers with both nationwide and local locations in Centenary, SC, ensuring seamless access to hair follicle testing services.
Our widespread availability allows for easy, hassle-free participation in testing procedures, serving communities efficiently and effectively by maintaining local testing facilities throughout.
The straightforward yet confidential process of hair follicle testing in Centenary, SC, assures individuals of privacy and ease, from ordering to obtaining results.
We prioritize clarity and discretion throughout every step, addressing any concerns and ensuring a seamless experience for individuals seeking reliable testing solutions without compromising their privacy.
In Centenary, SC, we highlight our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, offering affordable hair follicle testing with exceptional value for businesses.
Our efficient processes and cost-effective measures provide companies with quick, reliable results, a boon for organizations of varying scales looking to maintain high testing standards without overspending.
Hair follicle drug tests are known in Centenary, SC for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests excel in swiftly identifying substance use, a crucial asset for employers and other entities seeking integrity in screening processes.
By prioritizing precision, hair follicle tests not only expedite results but also maintain a high level of accuracy. Their advanced detection capabilities provide reassurance in establishing an individual's substance history.
Centenary, SC, businesses gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing, a strategy that aligns with workplace drug-free policies while minimizing legal liabilities.
Utilizing this form of testing enhances workplace safety and ensures companies adhere to the highest standards in substance use policies, benefiting both employers and employees alike.