Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the hair's fibers as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, relatively secure from tampering, and convenient to transport.
Approximately a 1.5-inch sample, equivalent to 200 hair strands or the thickness of a #2 pencil, taken nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For extended panels like EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean strictly scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
Four key stages make up the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. This stage includes confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any further data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
In the Screening phase, an initial brief test is applied for drug detection. While Screening offers an economical means to exclude drug usage in many samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for court acceptability. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), contributing to the challenge of conducting hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive result undergoes evaluations via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptive positive undergo washing when needed prior to confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is monitored in accordance with the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine testing in Gantt, SC? The primary advantage lies in detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can identify substance use over a longer period, minimizing the risk of false negatives. Moreover, with its harder-to-tamper nature, the hair test provides a more comprehensive analysis, ensuring that results accurately reflect an individual's substance history.
Employers in Gantt, SC benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle tests, which can trace drug use up to 90 days back. This extensive timeframe provides a complete perspective on an applicant or employee's drug history, allowing for informed hiring or ongoing monitoring decisions. Relying on such comprehensive insights helps maintain a drug-free and safe workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Gantt, SC because of its tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike urine tests, which are susceptible to adulteration, hair samples are secure from external interference. This ensures that the test results are both reliable and indisputable, giving employers and stakeholders peace of mind by guaranteeing the authenticity and integrity of the drug testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates convenient access in Gantt, SC through our nationwide and local testing locations. Offering a broad network, we ensure testing services are reachable and straightforward, whether you're in need of a test nearby or across different cities. This ease of access means quicker, stress-free implementation of drug testing protocols.
In Gantt, SC, our hair follicle testing offers a simple and confidential process. Ordering a test, submitting a sample, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure minimal hassle. We prioritize privacy, ensuring that all personal data and results are handled discreetly. This straightforward and confidential approach addresses privacy concerns while facilitating ease of use for all stakeholders involved.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our services in Gantt, SC cater to businesses of all sizes. Competitive rates combined with quick processing ensure that clients receive excellent value for their investment. By delivering results swiftly, companies can make timely decisions, knowing they are backed by cost-effective and dependable testing solutions.
In Gantt, SC, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests provide quick, precise results that enhance the reliability of drug screening processes. By analyzing the hair, the tests can detect various substances, ensuring that the outcomes are trustworthy and dependable, yielding results that stakeholders can confidently rely on to make informed decisions.
In Gantt, SC, implementing hair follicle testing secures compliance and peace of mind for employers. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, organizations can mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety. Hair testing's comprehensive and tamper-proof nature makes it an ideal choice for those seeking to uphold safety standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring a peaceful and compliant work environment.
