Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair encapsulates a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or screenings above ten panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. In discussions concerning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an early rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples showing probable positivity during Screening do require additional confirmation.
If a sample is suspected of positivity during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at a far lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most sophisticated methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspected positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and the qualification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Typically referred to as "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Edgefield, SC, surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. Offering unmatched detection precision, it provides more reliable results compared to the common urine screening methods.
Not only does hair testing detect drug use over a lengthier period, but it also minimizes errors often associated with urine tests, rendering it a superior option for precise drug use analysis.
In Edgefield, SC, one standout feature of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window gives employers a broader view into an individual's substance habits.
This comprehensive timeline is invaluable for employers requiring thorough understanding of an applicant's drug use history, giving them more data to make informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Edgefield, SC, provide a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. These tests significantly reduce the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring entire trustworthiness and reliability.
Thanks to their design, hair tests are conducted under conditions that make altering results nearly impossible, thus guaranteeing the authenticity of the sample analyzed.
Convenience is at the heart of our testing services with various nationwide and local centers in Edgefield, SC. Accessing these services is seamless, offering quick and uncomplicated testing solutions for everyone.
Our extensive network enables fast and efficient testing, ensuring that our clients experience minimal hassle and maximum convenience.
The hair testing process in Edgefield, SC, is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step values privacy and ease, catering to individuals' needs.
This simple process ensures confidentiality and promotes confidence, making the testing experience as seamless as possible for those involved.
Our services in Edgefield, SC, come with competitive pricing structures, offering excellent value for our clients. Fast turnaround times complement the affordability of our hair testing, ensuring worthy investment.
We cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring that our expense-effective solutions allow employers to maintain safe environments without financial strain.
In Edgefield, SC, hair follicle drug tests are known for their rapid and precise results. These tests assure a high level of accuracy when detecting substance use, providing users with fast and dependable outcomes.
Whether for workplace policies or court requirements, the reliability of hair testing is unmatched. With swift processing and clear, accurate results, it's the preferred choice for urgent and reliable detection.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Edgefield, SC, ensures compliance with drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. This testing method fortifies workplace safety by minimizing legal issues tied to drug use.
Employers benefit greatly, as hair testing not only meets but exceeds compliance standards, thereby reducing risk and enhancing overall workplace wellbeing.
