Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. It offers a prolonged historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to about three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is easy, tampering with it is challenging, and it is straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly matching the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair categories (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step in integrating a sample into a laboratory's workflow. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and logs additional data not captured by electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to check for substance use. While it is a cost-effective approach for excluding drug consumption in the majority of cases, a positive result in screening must undergo confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives in screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at concentrations far lower than those in alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a more challenging procedure.
Any positive result from screening goes through confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample is cleansed before confirmation, if necessary. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is conducted under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Greenwood, SC, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its greater accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides a longer detection window and reduces the risk of tampering. Employers can therefore have more confidence in the results, making hair tests a preferred choice for many establishments.
The detection window for hair follicle testing in Greenwood, SC, extends up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history. This extended detection capability is unmatched by other testing methods, ensuring a more complete picture of drug use patterns when making employment decisions.
For those concerned about the integrity of drug testing, hair follicle tests in Greenwood, SC, provide a tamper-resistant solution. Sample adulteration is significantly minimized, delivering results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This ensures the validity of findings and aids in maintaining trust in the testing process.
Convenience is key with our extensive nationwide and local site network in Greenwood, SC. We provide easy access to our testing services, ensuring a seamless process. You won't need to travel far, as our widespread locations bring drug testing services closer to you, enhancing accessibility.
Our testing process in Greenwood, SC, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step is handled with great privacy. This approach ensures that users can focus on what matters without worrying about confidentiality breaches or complex procedures.
Offering affordable pricing and quick results, our hair follicle testing in Greenwood, SC, is ideal for companies of all sizes. Businesses benefit from competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, maximizing value while maintaining peace of mind for employers and their teams.
Hair follicle drug tests in Greenwood, SC, offer fast and accurate results. This testing method's precision in detecting substance use is unparalleled, allowing individuals and organizations to trust the findings without hesitation. The combination of speed and accuracy puts hair testing at the forefront of drug detection strategies.
Employers in Greenwood, SC, prioritize hair follicle testing for compliance with drug-free policies. This method minimizes legal risks and promotes workplace safety, giving both employers and employees peace of mind. A drug-free environment leads to higher productivity and a safer working atmosphere.
