Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair holds a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A hair specimen measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, the same amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the laboratory comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering additional data not provided via an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for prohibited substances. While Screening is an economical method to discard drug usage in most samples, a positive screen needs verification to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples indicating a presumptively positive result in Screening require confirmation through further tests.
Should a sample show presumptively positive results at the Screening stage, additional hair from the original specimen is used for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are drawn out from hair at much lower concentrations than in other testing methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to carry out.
The Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo a cleaning process before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory method from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Over Urine Testing in Cherryvale, SC: When compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out due to its higher detection accuracy and reliability. It unveils drug use over a prolonged period, thus offering a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. Employers in Cherryvale benefit from its comprehensive detection that surpasses the short-term limitations of urine tests.
Extended Detection Window of Hair Follicle Testing in Cherryvale, SC: Hair follicle testing presents an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use. This is invaluable for employers looking to assess potential long-term drug use in applicants or employees, offering a more thorough historical perspective compared to shorter detection times of traditional testing methods.
Minimizing Tampering with Hair Follicle Testing in Cherryvale, SC: The hair follicle test is designed to be tamper-resistant, making sample adulteration nearly impossible. This method offers unquestionable results, ensuring the integrity of the test is maintained. Employers can count on this reliability to secure authentic data on substance use, mitigating risks associated with potential test manipulation.
Convenient Testing Centers Nationwide, Including Cherryvale, SC: With accredited testing centers available nationwide, including Cherryvale, accessing our hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. This convenience ensures that individuals and businesses can obtain tests quickly and efficiently, benefiting from the comprehensive network of service locations that cater to a wide range of needs.
Streamlined, Confidential Hair Testing Process in Cherryvale, SC: Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward, ensuring confidentiality and ease of use. Clients can rest assured of their privacy throughout the ordering, testing, and result-receiving stages. This simplifies the experience while securing personal information, making it a worry-free option for all.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Cherryvale, SC: Our hair follicle testing offers excellent value with competitive pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times. This combination is suitable for companies of all sizes seeking cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or speed, offering expedited insights into substance use.
Fast and Precise Hair Follicle Testing in Cherryvale, SC: Hair follicle drug testing offers remarkable accuracy when it comes to identifying substance use, ensuring quick results. Its precision surpasses traditional methods, offering reliable and swift analysis. Tests reveal evidence of drug use with exceptional reliability, providing critical insights to employers and substance abuse professionals in Cherryvale.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Cherryvale, SC: Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are upholding compliance and fostering a safe, secure work environment. This method offers assurance that drug policies are enforced effectively and consistently.
