Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a repository for long-term alcohol and drug history by incorporating biomarkers within its growing fibers. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 3-month look-back period for alcohol and drug intake. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipment is convenient.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advocated. The specimen is best weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" pertains specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
Lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening executes a preliminary rapid assessment for substance misuse. Though an economical approach for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive indication in Screening demands formal confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that show presumptive positivity necessitate additional confirmation.
In the event of a presumptively positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this procedure, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
Any positive result during Screening is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing is performed for all presumptive positive specimens before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and the ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Tests in North Hartsville, SC
Hair testing stands superior to traditional urine methods with its advanced detection accuracy and reliability. Superior analysis ensures employers receive trustworthy results, making it the preferred choice for comprehensive drug screening compared to the limitations of urine testing.
Extended Detection Period in North Hartsville, SC
Hair follicle tests offer an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough overview of an individual's substance history. This lengthy period is invaluable for those seeking detailed and historical substance use data.
Tamper-Proof Testing Method in North Hartsville, SC
The significant reduction in sample tampering risk is a hallmark of hair follicle testing. This method ensures authenticity and reliability, rendering it nearly impervious to adulteration attempts and ensuring indisputable results at every instance.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide and Locally in North Hartsville, SC
Our expansive network of testing centers simplifies access to hair follicle testing. Nationwide facilities ensure a seamless, convenient process, helping individuals engage in assessments without unnecessary delays or obstacles.
Streamlined and Private Process in North Hartsville, SC
Navigating the hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and confidential. From test ordering to result collection, users experience privacy and ease, assuring them of a seamless interaction with the entire testing service.
Cost-Effective Pricing and Quick Results in North Hartsville, SC
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times deliver exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. This blend of affordability and speed ensures peace of mind and keeps operational costs in check, supporting various organizational needs.
Precision and Rapid Results in North Hartsville, SC
The exactness and expediency of hair follicle drug assessments are unmatched. This method boasts high precision, offering accurate insights into an individual's substance consumption. The results' reliability instills confidence in both employers and individuals undergoing testing.
Ensuring Compliance and Assurance for Employers in North Hartsville, SC
Hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. Employers gain confidence knowing their drug screenings align with regulatory standards, fostering a secure and compliant work environment.
