Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair traps biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, providing a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When collected from close to the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is difficult, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly resembling a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, it's advised to collect 150mg of the specimen. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to rule out drug usage on most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples preliminarily identified as positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in the Screening process, more hair is withdrawn from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Dutch Fork, SC, hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine testing. It offers excellent detection accuracy and reliability, making it preferable for employers and legal agencies. The extended detection window provides comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance use history.
With hair follicle testing in Dutch Fork, SC, you can track drug use for up to 90 days. This extended detection window grants employers a thorough overview of an applicant's or employee's past substance use, which is vital for maintaining workplace integrity.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Dutch Fork, SC, minimizes the risk of adulterated samples. This method of testing provides reliable and irrefutable outcomes, reducing the possibility of cheating compared to other drug test types.
In Dutch Fork, SC, our nationwide network guarantees convenient access to hair follicle testing centers. The availability of local and regional locations ensures that individuals and businesses face no hurdles in receiving necessary testing services quickly and efficiently.
The process in Dutch Fork, SC, for hair follicle testing is simple and maintains confidentiality. From placing an order to collecting samples and receiving results, the procedure respects privacy concerns to make the experience smooth and straightforward for all participants.
In Dutch Fork, SC, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround enable companies of various sizes to take advantage of affordable and efficient drug testing. The value provided ensures businesses enjoy swift results without straining their budget.
Hair follicle tests provide fast, accurate, and credible results in Dutch Fork, SC. By analyzing samples with precision, the method ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use. Employers benefit from swift, reliable data that helps maintain a drug-free work environment.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Dutch Fork, SC provides peace of mind through compliance with workplace drug-free mandates. Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and enhanced workplace safety, ensuring a secure and reliable working environment.
