Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record of long-term use of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands during hair growth. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of nearly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional components, or beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen's weight. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps involved in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing to integrate it into the lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires Confirmation for legal admittance. Samples testing positive during Screening need additional Confirmation.
For samples showing positive results during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is taken and prepared for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than with other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any screened positive result is performed via methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Kirksey, SC, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing due to its superior accuracy and longer detection window. Hair tests can identify substances used up to 90 days prior, providing more comprehensive insights. Unlike urine tests, which capture recent use, hair tests offer a broader historical view, enhancing reliability for employers and entities that require thorough screenings.
Hair follicle testing in Kirksey, SC offers an extended detection period up to 90 days, presenting employers with an elaborate view of a subject's substance use history. Unlike shorter-term tests, this method reveals patterns that extend well beyond current habits, thereby allowing for informed decisions based on a comprehensive perspective of the individual's drug use over time.
In Kirksey, SC, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant means of drug detection. This method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and credible. The nature of hair testing makes the results trustworthy, preventing users from easily altering findings and offering peace of mind through uncompromised accuracy.
Accredited Drug Testing streamlines access to testing services with a network of centers nationwide, including locations in Kirksey, SC. This widespread availability ensures convenient testing for all clients, offering straightforward and accessible options for hair follicle drug assessments. The strategic placement of these centers guarantees minimal hassle for those seeking testing services.
In Kirksey, SC, the process of hair follicle testing remains simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the protocol is designed to protect privacy and ensure ease of access. The discreet handling of samples and results assures individuals of the confidentiality of their data, promoting a hassle-free testing experience.
Recognized for affordability, Accredited Drug Testing in Kirksey, SC offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Tailored for all business sizes, our pricing structures ensure cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality. Clients benefit from prompt results, making it a cost-efficient choice for companies seeking reliable and fast drug testing.
The accuracy and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests make them a valuable asset in substance testing in Kirksey, SC. These tests deliver precise results rapidly, ensuring that organizations can rely on them for effective substance use assessments. They stand out for their ability to accurately detect a wide range of substances over longer periods, setting themselves apart from traditional testing methods.
Employers in Kirksey, SC benefit from hair follicle testing as a tool for maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps reduce legal liabilities and enhances overall safety. By implementing comprehensive drug screening practices, organizations can foster a secure and compliant work environment, ensuring peace of mind for both employers and employees.
