Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair samples are easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer to scalp hair specifically. Body hair indicates all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The comprehensive laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial steps of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This phase includes verifying the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry required by a non-electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial, rapid examination for substances of abuse. Screening serves as a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, yet a positive result during Screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are identified as presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample presents as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. During this phase, specific drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is facilitated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Gresham, SC, hair testing triumphs over urine testing in numerous ways. Hair tests are hailed for their superior detection accuracy and reliability, attributing to their merit.
The longer detection window of hair testing compared to standard urine tests allows it to offer a more detailed history of substance use, making it the preferred method for many.
Hair follicle testing in Gresham, SC, provides a prolonged window for detecting drug use, extending up to 90 days.
This method offers a thorough overview of an individual’s substance history, benefitting employers who seek comprehensive insights into an employee’s past use.
One of the standout features of hair follicle tests in Gresham, SC, is their resilience against tampering, ensuring the integrity of test results.
The method significantly minimizes the risk of adulteration, guaranteeing reliable and unquestionable outcomes.
In Gresham, SC, the availability of nationwide testing centers enhances the convenience of accessing hair follicle testing services.
Our local presence ensures that employees and individuals can undergo testing quickly and hassle-free, bolstering accessibility and ease.
The process for hair follicle testing in Gresham, SC, is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns efficiently.
From ordering to test-taking and receiving results, the process is designed for ease of use, ensuring a worry-free experience for all parties involved.
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Gresham, SC, make hair follicle testing an attractive option for companies of all sizes.
The combination of affordability and speed ensures excellent value and contributes to maintaining operational peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests in Gresham, SC, are renowned for their swift and precise outcomes. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use makes them a reliable choice for employers.
These tests provide fast results, ensuring that employers can make timely decisions based on the accurate detection of drug use.
Employers in Gresham, SC, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies.
Using this method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
