Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an essential method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by holding biomarkers within its strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide nearly a 3-month period for alcohol and drug detection. It is straightforward to collect, tough to tamper with, and easy to mail.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) close to the scalp accumulates 100mg of hair, optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional parameters, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample's weight. If there is no availability of scalp hair, an equivalent weight of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it strictly refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair categories (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result unfolds in four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any absent data entry from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an early assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage across numerous samples, a positive result must be verified for court admission. Any samples indicating a positive result during Screening undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit a positive sign during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This step involves extracting drugs from the hair at lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as a particularly challenging method.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to frequently as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp
Why should Harleyville, SC, choose hair follicle testing over urine testing? The benefits are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing can identify drug use over an extended period. Employers seeking comprehensive substance profiles favor hair testing. The method minimizes the likelihood of sample tampering, providing dependable outcomes.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests is a major advantage. In Harleyville, SC, employers can evaluate an individual's substance use over a lengthy period of up to 90 days. This expanded window offers a full picture of an employee's or candidate's substance history. As a result, employers can make informed decisions based on comprehensive data, enhancing team reliability.
One significant advantage of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. In Harleyville, SC, the risk of sample adulteration is remarkably reduced, adding a layer of integrity to drug testing processes. Hair follicle testing ensures reliable and indisputable results. This factor enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the testing procedure, providing organizations with valid data.
Convenience is key in Harleyville, SC, with our expansive network of nationwide testing locations. We provide easy, fast, and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Our local presence ensures no stress in complying with testing requirements. With centers across all cities, we make sure that our services are easily accessible to all in need, enhancing the convenience factor.
In Harleyville, SC, our hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving the results is straightforward, protecting privacy and offering ease of use. We prioritize client confidentiality and user-friendly processes. Our approach ensures that all clients receive efficient service without compromising on privacy.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround, our service in Harleyville, SC, stands out. We provide highly competitive rates without sacrificing quality. Fast results paired with cost-effectiveness make our services desirable for businesses of any scale. Our approach guarantees value and satisfaction, reinforcing our commitment to exemplary service delivery.
In Harleyville, SC, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast, precise, and consistent results. These tests exhibit high accuracy in identifying substance use, making them a preferred choice over other methods. Hair follicle testing stands out for its efficient and reliable results. This method provides employers with the data they need promptly, ensuring swift decision-making processes.
For employers in Harleyville, SC, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. It ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. Employers can rely on hair testing to maintain a compliant and secure workplace. The method supports informed decision-making and reduces potential liabilities related to substance use.
