Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective instrument for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the strands of the hair as it grows. When collected from the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing step where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry needed beyond what's already in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that presumptively test positive in Screening need additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening more complex.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp
The advantages of hair follicle tests over urine tests in Lake Secession, SC, are apparent. Hair tests are deemed superior due to their detection accuracy and longer timeframe.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window in Lake Secession, SC. It provides up to 90 days of visibility into an individual's drug use history, beneficial for employers.
Lake Secession, SC, endorses hair follicle tests as a tamper-resistant method. They significantly minimize sample adulteration, resulting in more reliable and credible outcomes.
Our nationwide and local Lake Secession, SC locations offer convenience in hair follicle testing. Testing is quick and hassle-free, ensuring you receive the necessary service efficiently.
Our simple and confidential process in Lake Secession, SC, ensures ease of use. Privacy concerns are addressed with a straightforward approach from ordering to results.
Lake Secession, SC's affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing a viable option. Our competitive rates cater to companies of varying sizes and needs.
In Lake Secession, SC, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast, precise, and reliable results. Recognized for their high accuracy, these tests quickly detect substance use, providing crucial insights.
Employers in Lake Secession, SC, find compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle tests. These tests fortify workplace policy adherence, curtailing legal risks and fostering a safe environment.
