Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is clipped near the scalp, it can offer up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of nearly 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is preferred for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, optional add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample size is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When head hair is referenced, it indicates only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing for a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s database. This process involves confirming that the sample was securely sealed and properly transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't provide.
Screening entails a rapid preliminary examination for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economically efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screening outcome needs validation for it to be court-admissible. Any samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Hickory Grove, SC
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, the enhancements are clear. Hair tests provide unmatched detection accuracy and dependability. The expansive detection period of up to 90 days is especially beneficial for entities needing in-depth substance history analyses. This reliability ensures that hair tests unveil patterns urine tests may miss.
Urine tests, while effective for short-term detection, can't match the long-term tracing abilities of hair follicle testing. This method uniquely captures a broader timeline of substance exposure, providing employers with trustworthy data crucial for insightful decision-making. For thorough and dependable drug testing, hair follicle analysis sets the bar higher.
Extended Detection Window in Hickory Grove, SC
Hair follicle testing offers the significant advantage of an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides a comprehensive view of a person's substance history, essential for employers seeking to understand long-term patterns of behavior.
This thorough detection capability offers a competitive edge, making it a preferred choice for sectors that prioritize highly detailed substance use analyses. With the extended detection window, employers can confidently evaluate a candidate's suitability based on a realistic portrayal of past substance exposures.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hickory Grove, SC
Hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This characteristic ensures that the test results are both reliable and unquestionable, vital for peace of mind in high-stakes environments.
The method of collecting and analyzing hair samples leaves little room for manipulation, providing assured integrity of the results. For employers, courts, and agencies, using this method means trusting in the authenticity of the outcomes, reinforcing confidence in the overall drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing in Hickory Grove, SC
Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide, including local options in Hickory Grove, SC, offers unmatched convenience. This widespread accessibility guarantees quick, seamless, and stress-free access to hair follicle testing services, catering to diverse regional needs with proficiency and ease.
Wherever you are, our testing facilities ensure you're never far from reliable drug testing services. This strategy empowers individuals and companies to effortlessly engage with our testing apparatus, showcasing our commitment to operational convenience and superior client service satisfaction.
Simple and Confidential Process in Hickory Grove, SC
The process of hair follicle drug testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the entire progression addresses concerns of privacy, making the entire journey user-friendly and discrete.
This ease of use underscores our dedication to client-centered care, ensuring that individuals feel secure and respected. The straightforwardness of the process combines with confidentiality to offer a seamless experience that places the utmost importance on user comfort and privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Hickory Grove, SC
Competitive pricing and fast result turnaround are key components of our hair follicle testing services. You'll find our rates offer excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes who prioritize cost-effectiveness without sacrificing reliability.
We've structured our services to accommodate varying budgets while maintaining the quality and accuracy expected in drug testing. For businesses aiming for prudent investing in healthcare screenings, our combination of affordability and efficiency provides optimal peace of mind and dependable outcomes.
Fast, Precise, and Reliable Results in Hickory Grove, SC
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision in detecting substance use. With an ability to identify drug markers accurately and expediently, this method is ideal for those needing prompt and trustworthy information. The reliability of hair testing technology ensures that results are not only fast but meet high standards of accuracy.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing makes it an invaluable tool for those needing evidence of substance misuse without delay. Its rapid processing capabilities provide confidence in making informed decisions swiftly, without sacrificing the stringent accuracy required in drug testing scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hickory Grove, SC
Employers gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method supports legal risk reduction and reinforces workplace safety. Adopting hair tests aligns with proactive management strategies, providing an extra layer of security and trust in employee assessments.
Through steadfast adherence to compliance standards, employers not only safeguard their interests but also enhance their reputational standing. By utilizing hair follicle tests, organizations demonstrate their commitment to a clean and safe work environment, promoting overall operational efficacy and reliability.
