Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mount Pleasant, SC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has increasingly become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can retain a prolonged history of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fiber structure as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, presents challenges to tampering, and is hassle-free to transport.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp can provide 100mg of hair - the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary testing, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler's scale for precise measurement of the sample. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair might be taken. When mentioning head hair, this refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair varieties (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation are the four integral steps in laboratory analysis for drug testing.

Accessioning encompasses the initial introduction of a sample into a laboratory's processing system, ensuring the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigning a distinctive LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary rapid inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening require secondary verification.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are retrieved from hair, typically at lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), underscoring why hair drug screening is particularly complex.

Positive screening findings are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptively positive samples are subject to washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, outperforming the shorter detection span of urine tests.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is significantly challenging, enhancing result reliability.
• Reveals historical consumption data: It offers insights into drug use trends over time, unlike merely capturing recent use.

Limitations:

• Not applicable for recent use detection: Drugs become detectable in hair after roughly 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expensive: Hair drug testing tends to cost more than other drug testing alternatives.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and growth variations can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Though commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the testing procedure actually examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Mount Pleasant, SC? The answer lies in their unmatched detection accuracy and reliability.

• Hair tests offer extended detection periods, tracing usage beyond the capabilities of urine tests.
• Highly reliable, they provide a clearer picture of substance history.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days, which is remarkably beneficial for employers in Mount Pleasant, SC. This duration:

• Enables comprehensive monitoring of drug use over time.
• Gives employers insights into an individual’s long-term substance use behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The methodology of hair follicle testing significantly enhances the integrity of the drug testing process in Mount Pleasant, SC.

• Hard to adulterate samples because hair is easily monitored during collection.
• Heightened assurance in the authenticity of test results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Mount Pleasant, SC, the convenience of numerous nationwide testing facilities, including local sites, makes obtaining hair follicle tests easy.

• Quick access to reliable testing services with minimal hassle.
• Facilities strategically located to serve widespread needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Mount Pleasant, SC, is straightforward and maintains confidentiality.

• Ordering, testing, and result retrieval are designed for user ease.
• Privacy is upheld with stringent protocols.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Mount Pleasant, SC, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing along with rapid result delivery.

• Affordable rates ensure accessibility for businesses of all sizes.
• Quick turnaround enhances value by minimizing waiting times.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Mount Pleasant, SC, hair follicle drug tests are praised for their swift and precise results. These tests excel in identifying substance use accurately.

• The precision in detection offers high confidence in results.
• The expedited processing means quick turnaround times for results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Mount Pleasant, SC, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies and promotes peace of mind.

• Prevents potential legal liabilities by adhering to strict testing protocols.
• Boosts workplace safety and employee well-being.

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