Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands entrap biomarkers within their fibers, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. When collected near the root, hair samples can provide an assessment timeframe of roughly 90 days for alcohol and drug presence. The collection process is straightforward, with less risk of tampering, and the samples are easy to dispatch.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 hairs (equivalent in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100 mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150 mg of the specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to determine specimen weight is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is unattainable, an equal quantity of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. The term 'body hair' encompasses all other types, including facial and axillar.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results primarily comprises four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes ensuring both the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning an arbitrary Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for drug usage. Although Screening serves as an economical method to initially eliminate most samples, a positive result necessitates further verification for legal admissibility. Samples indicating potential positives during Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. This phase concentrates on extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower levels than other methodologies like urine or oral fluid, thereby making hair drug screening an intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive via Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though these tests are termed "hair follicle tests," the hair strands, not the subscalp follicles, undergo analysis.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Converse, SC, significant advantages become clear. The sensitivity and extensive detection window of hair testing offer an unparalleled understanding of substance use patterns. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter timeframe, hair tests can unveil a more comprehensive substance history, granting insight and peace of mind for both employers and individuals concerned about accuracy and reliability.
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its capability to identify drug use over a significantly prolonged period of up to 90 days. This expansive detection window gifts employers in Converse, SC, the ability to gauge a long-term picture of an individual's substance use. In comparison to other testing methods, the strategic value of such insight cannot be understated, as it aids in making informed, responsible decisions regarding employment and compliance.
One of the foremost benefits of hair follicle drug tests is their resilience against tampering, offering substantial reliability. In Converse, SC, businesses and professionals favor this method due to the security of results it ensures. Unlike other forms of testing, hair samples are not easily adulterated, resulting in trustworthy outcomes that reflect a genuine glimpse into an individual's substance use history, free from manipulation risks.
Accredited Drug Testing streamlines the testing process with widespread locations across the nation, including Converse, SC. This convenience means easy, accessible testing for all residents, elevating the possibilities for prompt and hassle-free services. Our networks ensure that no matter where you are, efficient drug testing is obtainable, making logistical consideration a non-issue while ensuring prompt, professional service delivery.
In Converse, SC, the simplicity and confidentiality of hair follicle testing provide an ideal solution for privacy-centric individuals and businesses. With an uncomplicated order process, discreet sampling, and secure result delivery, this testing method addresses privacy worries seamlessly. The interface ensures ease of use, making conducting necessary tests straightforward without unnecessary stress or complexity.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid result processing in Converse, SC, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of various scales. In addition to maintaining budget-friendly structures, the swift turnaround allows for timely decision-making, ensuring efficiency and assurance for employers looking to balance fiscal responsibility with high-quality, quick testing results.
Hair follicle drug testing in Converse, SC, delivers swift and accurate results, setting a benchmark for precision. With a detection timeline that surpasses traditional tests, this method provides a reliable assessment of substance use. Not only do these tests yield high accuracy, but their processing speed ensures that individuals and employers receive prompt results, maintaining efficiency and reliability within the testing procedure.
For employers in Converse, SC, adopting hair follicle testing resonates with assurance in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This method not only supports compliance with zero-tolerance policies but also mitigates legal implications and enrichment of workplace safety. The established track record of accuracy and longevity in detection provides a solid foundation for employers to trust in the measures they take to ensure a clean working environment.
