Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing is now perceived as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a long-term usage history of alcohol and drugs through capturing biomarkers in the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection span for various substances. Collection is straightforward, it is not easily adulterated, and it’s convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion composed of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the material. We advocate for weighing the sample using a jeweler’s balance. Should scalp hair not be available, a corresponding quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other hair categories (face, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of principal stages in laboratory handling of a drug test outcome includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial sample processing within a laboratory's framework. The procedure ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening offers a preliminary swift evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use for most specimens, it requires a positive screen to be substantiated to be court-admissible. All samples categorized as tentatively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a specimen is deemed tentatively positive amid the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is drawn for Extraction preparation. This stage extracts drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis proves to be the most challenging technique to execute.
The Confirmation phase of any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every tentatively positive sample undergoes cleaning prior to confirmation as necessary. The entirety of the lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes evaluations under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 specifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis particularly examines the hair strand, not the under-scalp hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Zion, SC
Comparing hair testing to traditional urine tests reveals tangible advantages. Hair follicle analysis boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability, offering a comprehensive assessment of an individual's drug use over time.
Extended Detection Window in New Zion, SC
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection timeframe, capable of tracing drug usage history up to 90 days. This allows employers a detailed insight into applicants' or employees' past substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Zion, SC
The hair follicle test minimizes the potential for sample tampering. This secure process ensures that every result is reliable and indisputable, offering peace of mind for all stakeholders.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New Zion, SC
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide offers unmatched convenience. Accessing our services is simple, quick, and devoid of hassle, ensuring a seamless testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in New Zion, SC
Our ordering, testing, and results process is straightforward and private. This addresses any privacy concerns, providing a convenient and secure experience for all users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Zion, SC
We provide competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value and reassurance to businesses of varying sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Zion, SC
Experience fast and precision-driven outcomes with hair follicle drug tests. Known for their high accuracy, these tests efficiently identify substance use, providing you with trustworthy results every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Zion, SC
Utilizing hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This helps in lowering legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety, ensuring peace of mind for employers.
