Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. The hair captures biomarkers within the fibers as it grows, providing a prolonged record of drug and alcohol use. When cut near the scalp, it offers about a 3-month period for detecting drugs and alcohol. It is easy to gather, fairly resistant to tampering, and can be shipped with ease.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hairs (around the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screens beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair. Should scalp hair be missing, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of logging a sample into the lab’s system. It involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any extra data entry that isn't captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an initial quick examination for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective approach for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be acceptable in legal scenarios. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional verification.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are retrieved from the hair at a very low concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis as a testing method.
Confirmation of any positive screening is pursued through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mount Carmel, SC: Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection due to its longer window of accuracy. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive overview of an individual's history.
Hair testing has proven to be more reliable in various settings, from workplaces to probationary conditions, delivering truthful and trustworthy results that withstand scrutiny.
Extended Detection Window in Mount Carmel, SC: Hair follicle testing stands out for its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period, potentially up to 90 days. This extensive detection allows employers a thorough analysis of a person's substance use history.
By providing such a wide window of detection, hair testing offers an enhanced view that supports informed decision-making, benefitting both employers and individuals in understanding patterns of drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mount Carmel, SC: Hair follicle drug tests are remarkably tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. Their design ensures that results are reliable and indisputable.
This integrity makes it ideal for legal and employment settings, providing peace of mind that the sample has not been compromised, thus ensuring fair and honest reporting.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mount Carmel, SC: Accredited Drug Testing boasts nationwide testing facilities, offering seamless access to drug testing services.
Our centers are easily accessible, ensuring a prompt and hassle-free process for all individuals in need of testing. Mount Carmel inhabitants enjoy local convenience alongside national support, simplifying the testing journey.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mount Carmel, SC: Seamlessly order, undertake, and receive your hair follicle test results with our straightforward, confidential procedure.
Privacy concerns are addressed with care, ensuring a user-friendly experience that respects and protects your information throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mount Carmel, SC: We deliver exceptional value with our cost-effective pricing model and swift result turnover.
This approach caters to companies of all sizes, providing economical solutions without compromising quality, thus enhancing corporate satisfaction and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mount Carmel, SC: Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their high accuracy. This method delivers quick and precise results, ensuring reliable detection of substance use. With each test, individuals receive both speedy outcomes and confidence in the findings.
This testing method offers unparalleled efficiency in confirming substance use. Its precision allows employers and individuals alike to trust the results, facilitating a safer and more informed community environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mount Carmel, SC: Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks. This approach not only improves safety but also delivers reassurance to employers.
Employers achieve legal conformity and enhanced workplace security, fostering a culture of trust and stability, safeguarding employees, and maintaining organizational integrity.
