Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide approximately a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, this pertains to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the commencement of a sample's processing within a laboratory's framework. This process involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entries absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift check for substances of abuse. Screening is an economical means to exclude drug presence in most samples, yet a positive screen mandates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to administer.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the designation of CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair and the standards of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the underlying hair follicle in the scalp.
In Epworth, SC, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle testing captures a comprehensive record of drug use, ensuring that employers receive accurate information about their applicants' or employees' substance use history. The reliability of hair testing surpasses that of urine tests, giving employers confidence in their hiring decisions.
The hair follicle drug test in Epworth, SC is praised for its extended detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe allows employers to thoroughly evaluate an applicant’s or employee’s past drug habits, offering a comprehensive overview rather than a snapshot. This longer detection period is crucial for conducting thorough evaluations of potential substance use.
In Epworth, SC, the hair follicle drug test is highly valued for its resistance to sample tampering. The test virtually eliminates the risk of adulteration, preserving the integrity and reliability of the results. This feature ensures that employers have unquestionable insights into an individual’s substance use, supporting fair and accurate employment and legal decisions.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations in Epworth, SC, and nationwide. With numerous centers across the country, accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and employers can conveniently schedule tests without the obstacle of geographic limitations, allowing for efficient and effective drug testing services.
The hair follicle testing process in Epworth, SC is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness. Clients can be assured their information and results remain confidential, addressing concerns related to privacy while providing straightforward, stress-free testing procedures.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle drug testing in Epworth, SC delivers excellent value. The cost-effectiveness of this testing method, coupled with prompt results, provides companies of all sizes with peace of mind. Employers experience advantages in both budget management and timely insights, contributing to effective workplace safety standards.
Hair follicle drug testing in Epworth, SC stands out for its exceptional accuracy and speed in detecting substance use. This testing method delivers results swiftly and reliably, making it highly effective in ensuring precision in detection. The method's efficiency offers timely insights into an individual's history of substance use, providing a clear and detailed account of their drug use over an extended period.
Employers in Epworth, SC choose hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method helps mitigate legal risks and enhances the overall safety of the workplace. Hair follicle testing supports employers by providing peace of mind, ensuring that they are upholding policies designed to promote a safe and productive work environment.
