Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Chester, SC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection time frame of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unattainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. Reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other kinds of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry required beyond what the electronic chain of custody system provides.

Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use in most samples, court admission requires confirmation of any positive screen. Samples that return a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is among the most complex methodologies to execute.

The Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before Confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, contrasted with urine tests that have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are highly resistant to tampering, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Shows historical patterns: They reveal a pattern of drug usage over time, not just recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot detect recent consumption: It generally takes about 5-7 days for substances to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth discrepancies can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the method analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chester, SC

• Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests.
• It provides reliable and comprehensive data on substance use.
• Employers favor this method for its effectiveness and reliability.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Chester, SC

• Hair follicle testing can reveal drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days.
• This offers employers an extensive view of an individual’s substance history.
• It assists in making informed decisions regarding applicants or employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chester, SC

• Hair follicle tests minimize the chance of tampering or sample adulteration.
• The integrity of the results is maintained, offering reliable conclusions.
• This method ensures that testing outcomes are beyond dispute.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chester, SC

• Our testing centers are widespread, ensuring easy access nationwide.
• Chester, SC locations are available for quick and hassle-free testing.
• Convenience in scheduling and taking tests is assured for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Chester, SC

• Our process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is straightforward and confidential.
• We safeguard privacy, ensuring ease of use for all participants.
• Clients can trust the discreet management of their testing information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chester, SC

• We offer competitive pricing structures suitable for businesses of all sizes.
• Our quick turnaround times ensure excellent value for money.
• Clients enjoy both cost-effectiveness and efficient results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chester, SC

• Our hair follicle drug tests deliver prompt and precise results.
• They possess a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use.
• This method ensures confidence in the test outcomes and quick turnarounds.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chester, SC

• Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• It mitigates legal risks related to non-compliance.
• Employers achieve peace of mind and promote workplace safety through this method.

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