Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair serves as a historical record of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. Once gathered close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month history of alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or screens beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The four essential steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This process involves verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be acceptable in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a specimen tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Inman, SC
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities and reliability. These tests provide a much longer detection window and are harder to alter, making them a preferred choice for employers and legal systems seeking comprehensive data on drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Inman, SC
Hair follicle testing boasts an extensive detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use history, aiding in more informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Inman, SC
The integrity of hair follicle tests is unmatched, significantly minimizing risks of sample tampering. This method ensures results that are both reliable and indisputable, offering peace of mind to those relying on its findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Inman, SC
Our nationwide testing facilities offer easy and efficient access to drug testing services. Residents and businesses in Inman can take advantage of quick and hassle-free testing experiences thanks to our accessible locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Inman, SC
The straightforward and private procedure for setting up, completing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use, offering a seamless experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Inman, SC
Our competitively priced hair follicle testing services, coupled with rapid result delivery, provide exceptional value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring both economic efficiency and reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Inman, SC
Hair follicle drug tests provide expedited and precise outcomes. They are highly regarded for their accuracy in detecting substance use, surpassing other methods in both speed and reliability. These tests ensure that employers and concerned entities receive dependable information swiftly, maintaining compliance and safety within workplaces.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Inman, SC
Employers investing in hair follicle testing align with drug-free workplace policies, thus mitigating legal liabilities and promoting a safer, more productive work environment.
