Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a valuable means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a timeline of alcohol and drug residue by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken from the vicinity of the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG testing, additional panels, and tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Employ a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen weight. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This process includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial, expedient examination for drugs. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use on most samples, any positive Screening results must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumptive Screening positives necessitate secondary confirmation.
For presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are then isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Langley, SC, demonstrates superior reliability compared to traditional urine tests. With greater detection accuracy, it presents a more reliable choice for employers and law enforcement. The comprehensive detection period and reduced likelihood of tampering elevate hair follicle testing as a more dependable option.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Langley, SC, is its extended detection window, which can trace substance use over a period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed look at an individual's substance history, which is particularly useful in recruitment and ongoing employment assessments.
Hair follicle testing in Langley, SC, substantially minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. The method's design inherently resists tampering, ensuring that results are reliable and unquestionable, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process in critical settings.
With numerous convenient testing centers nationwide, Langley, SC, offers straightforward access to hair testing services. These accessible locations ensure a smooth and hassle-free process for all clients, whether local or traveling, providing timely testing and results across the country.
The process for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results in Langley, SC, is designed to be simple and confidential. Clients can undertake testing with assurance of privacy and accuracy, from the initial order to receiving the results. This ease of use addresses concerns while maintaining high confidentiality standards.
In Langley, SC, hair follicle testing is offered at competitive pricing, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Quick turnaround times accompany our affordable pricing structures, providing excellent value and peace of mind for businesses, whether large or small.
In Langley, SC, the efficiency of hair follicle testing is notable for its swift and dependable results. These tests offer remarkable precision in identifying substance use, guaranteeing accuracy and prompt results. The expedience of this method provides peace of mind for both the testers and the individuals being tested, with results available without unnecessary delays.
Employers in Langley, SC, who implement hair follicle testing as part of their drug-free policies can experience increased compliance and peace of mind. By ensuring adherence to workplace safety standards, legal risks are minimized, and a safer work environment is achieved through accurate and consistent testing methods.
