Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has become recognized as an effective instrument for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the growing strand's fibers. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal a roughly 3-month detection span for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is simple, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equal volume of body hair is permissible. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the lab procedure for processing a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab system. It includes assuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial fast drug check. While it is economically efficient for dismissing drug use across most samples, a positive screen calls for verification to be court-admissible. Samples that appear positive at Screening require an additional confirmatory step.
When a sample tests positive at Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. Drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screens is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples undergo a cleansing process before confirmation as necessary. The full lab cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is reassessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cross Hill, SC
The benefits of hair testing over traditional urine tests are evident in its superior detection capabilities. With the ability to track substance use over longer periods, it offers greater reliability for those implementing drug-free policies.
Employers often find hair testing provides a clearer picture than urine tests, emphasizing its accuracy and integrity.
Extended Detection Window in Cross Hill, SC
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This wide window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history.
The prolonged detection capability of hair tests enhances their utility in reviewing an applicant's or employee's substance record, offering a comprehensive assessment tool.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cross Hill, SC
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering, delivering reliable results that are hard to contest. This robust testing method greatly reduces opportunities for sample adulteration.
The integrity of the results provided by hair follicle tests makes them an indispensable asset in maintaining credible testing practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cross Hill, SC
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including local sites in Cross Hill, offers convenient access to drug testing services.
The widespread availability of testing centers ensures that obtaining a hair follicle test is both straightforward and hassle-free, aiding in efficient substance monitoring.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cross Hill, SC
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and secure, prioritizing privacy at every step.
Clients can have confidence in the confidentiality and simplicity of our testing procedures, designed to alleviate any privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cross Hill, SC
Our pricing structures are competitive, offering excellent value, while our fast turnaround times ensure prompt results.
Companies, regardless of their size, benefit from affordable testing solutions paired with the assurance of timely and reliable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cross Hill, SC
Hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision in detecting substance use rapidly. Their accuracy in identifying drug use is exceptionally high, making them a preferred option for many.
These tests capture a broad spectrum of substances with speed and precision, ensuring reliable outcomes are consistently achieved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cross Hill, SC
Using hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, helping to mitigate legal issues and promote a safer work environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their drug testing methods meet compliance standards, reducing potential risks associated with workplace safety.
