Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a historical record extending over months by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use for a period of up to around three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, making it challenging to falsify, and it is simple to mail.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) provides 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those over 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal portion of body hair can be used as an alternative. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to hair from the scalp. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for analyzing a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This stage ensures that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carries out any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial assessment for prohibited substances. Screening is a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, yet a positive result requires verification to be valid in a legal context. Samples that test positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening process, additional hair is gathered from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is utilized to confirm any positive results from screening. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle tests, especially in Hopkins, SC, surpass traditional urine tests by offering superior detection and reliability. They provide a broader detection window, making them less prone to manipulation.
Compared to urine tests, the effectiveness in detecting past drug use and providing more reliable data is notable. Companies frequently choose hair testing for its comprehensive and trustworthy results.
In Hopkins, SC, hair follicle testing offers up to 90 days of detection, greatly enhancing substance history insights. This extended window aids employers in making informed decisions.
Employers benefit from this comprehensive view, appreciating the detailed account of an applicant's or employee's substance usage over time.
Hopkins, SC, boasts hair follicle testing that minimizes sample tampering risk, delivering undeniable and steadfast results. The integrity of samples is upheld effectively.
This robust testing method ensures confidence, alleviating concerns about adulteration and guaranteeing reliable outcomes for every test administered.
Hopkins, SC, benefits from convenient testing locations nationwide, facilitating smooth and hassle-free access to hair testing services. It's never been easier to obtain fast, reliable tests.
Local residents and businesses appreciate the accessibility, ensuring that testing is efficient, removing travel and logistic burdens.
In Hopkins, SC, the easy and discreet hair testing process addresses privacy and usability concerns, ensuring straightforward ordering, sampling, and result shipping.
Participants appreciate the seamless process, enjoying peace of mind through confidentiality, making hair testing a preferred choice.
Competitive pricing and swift results characterize hair testing in Hopkins, SC. Offering excellent value, businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable, reliable solutions.
Fast turnaround times ensure minimal operational delays, allowing companies the confidence to maintain productivity while adhering to safety standards.
In Hopkins, SC, hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and trustworthy results, showcasing exceptional accuracy in detecting substances. The method offers efficiency by delivering insights faster than conventional testing.
Precision is paramount, and hair tests excel in this realm, accurately identifying substances consumed. This swift and precise detection makes it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable test outcomes.
Employers in Hopkins, SC, gain compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace goals. This approach diminishes legal risks.
Workplace safety is bolstered, with hair tests promoting adherence to stringent policies, ensuring a secure and productive environment for all employees.
