Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair strands can encapsulate long-term records of alcohol and illicit substances by securing biomarkers within the fibers as they grow. When gathered from near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window for drugs and alcohol stretching up to roughly 3 months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of about 200 strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" exclusively refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" implies all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial intake into a lab’s system. This phase involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not integrated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples; however, for judicial admissibility, a positive screen requires confirmation. Samples yielding presumptively positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screen result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples receive a cleansing wash as needed before confirmation. The entire lab process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides several advantages over traditional urine tests, starting with its excellent detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which are often limited to identifying recent drug use, hair testing covers a longer timeframe and highlights patterns of substance use. As a result, stakeholders benefit from a comprehensive overview of an individual's lifestyle choices, essential for informed decision-making.
Employers benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing, which can identify drug use from the past 90 days. This significant advantage allows companies to have deeper insights into potential candidates or current employees' substance use history. With a comprehensive view of the individual's behavioral trends, employers are better equipped to make informed hiring or management decisions.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are less susceptible to sample adulteration, providing trustworthy and definitive results. This level of reliability ensures that outcomes remain unchallenged, granting employers and judicial entities peace of mind regarding the validity of test outcomes.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including local options in Lynchburg, SC, obtaining hair follicle tests is seamless. Our extensive network simplifies access, ensuring quick, easy, and hassle-free testing experiences. Whether for individuals or organizations, scheduling tests is straightforward, providing a practical solution for those seeking reliable testing services.
The process for hair follicle testing is not only effective but also simple and confidential in Lynchburg, SC. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, we prioritize user privacy and ease of access. Individuals can trust that their information remains secure, enjoying a streamlined procedure that alleviates any potential concerns about confidentiality.
We offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing in Lynchburg, SC, with an emphasis on affordability and fast turnaround. Companies of all sizes appreciate the excellent value we provide, as our services enable them to maintain operational efficiency without extravagant costs. With quick results, businesses gain peace of mind, ensuring workplace compliance and safety.
Hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their speed, precision, and reliability in Lynchburg, SC. The specialized nature of hair testing ensures high accuracy in detecting substances, setting it apart from others. With fast processing times, results are available quicker, empowering employers and authorities with timely information to make informed decisions about recruitment and compliance.
Employers in Lynchburg, SC, find reassurance in using hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free workplace policies. Adopting this testing method not only reinforces a commitment to maintaining a safe workplace but also mitigates legal risks associated with substance use. Consequently, businesses experience enhanced safety and productivity, knowing they have adhered to compliance standards.
