Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairfax, SC

What it is, How it works

The analysis of hair has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and illicit substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands that grow. Hair, when gathered near the scalp, delivers an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A specimen measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands—comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter—will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for both evaluation and verification. For EtG, extended panels, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing purposes. In instances where head hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Procedure Outline

The pivotal stages in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into the lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody input.

Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit drug presence. Although Screening is economically advantageous in precluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates verification to be legally valid. Samples that render a presumptive positive in Screening require further validation.

Should a sample manifest as presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug screening a complex methodology.

Verification of positive screen outcomes is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as appropriate. The comprehensive lab process spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes examination compliant with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug assessment:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can identify drug usage for a duration of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a reduced detection duration.
• Resistant to tampering: Cheating a hair drug assessment poses significant challenges, ensuring more credible results.
• Chronicles usage patterns: It charts patterns of drug usage over time, beyond immediate consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Recent usage detection is limited: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are typically costlier in comparison to other testing modalities.
• Result variations: Variables such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Fairfax, SC
Hair follicle testing significantly outperforms urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability. With its ability to trace drug use over an extended period, hair testing provides clearer insights into a person's substance use history, making it an invaluable tool for employers, legal systems, and substance abuse counselors.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Capabilities in Fairfax, SC
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to reveal drug usage over an extended timeline, reaching up to 90 days. This broader detection window grants employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's historical substance use, enabling more informed decisions about their workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Solutions in Fairfax, SC
Hair follicle tests dramatically lower the risk of sample manipulation, delivering results that are reliable and hard to dispute. This method's design inherently prevents common adulteration tactics seen in other testing forms, ensuring accurate detection of substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Testing Facilities in Fairfax, SC and Nationwide
Our extensive network of testing locations across the country guarantees seamless access to drug testing services. This logistical advantage ensures that employers and individuals alike can engage in testing protocols without hassle, making the process convenient and efficient.

Simple, Confidential Process

Efficient and Discreet Testing Process in Fairfax, SC
The process of conducting hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is designed to be unobtrusive, respecting privacy while providing clarity. This user-friendly approach allays any concerns over privacy and procedural complexity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective and Quick Results in Fairfax, SC
Our affordable pricing and rapid results offer exceptional value across all enterprise sizes. This ensures that organizations can benefit from superior substance detection services without stretching their budgets, while enjoying fast turnaround times for swift decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Swift, Precise Outcomes in Fairfax, SC
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched quickness and precision in identifying drug use. These tests boast high accuracy, enabling timely and decisive substance-use evaluations. Such efficiency supports employers in making well-informed decisions regarding potential and current employees, safeguarding workplace standards.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Employer Compliance and Assurance in Fairfax, SC
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining alignment with drug-free workplace mandates. Not only does this improve workplace safety, but it also reduces legal liabilities, giving employers peace of mind knowing their compliance efforts are robust and effective.

Drug Testing Near Fairfax, SC

Hollywood, SC