Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair encapsulates a detailed history of consumed alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen containing approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It’s best to weigh the hair specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This step involves ensuring the sample’s seal and proper shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data documentation that an electronic chain of custody system might lack.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug consumption in most samples, any positive Screening result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Therefore, samples displaying presumptive positive results in Screening require secondary verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluids), explaining why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine testing in Perry, SC, yields superior benefits. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides more reliable and accurate detection capabilities.
The hair tests capture a broader history of use, making analyses more comprehensive for users.
Additionally, this method is favored for its high resistance to tampering, reducing fraudulent results.
Hair follicle testing in Perry, SC, uniquely offers an extended detection window, making it stand out in substance use assessments.
This method can detect drug consumption over a period of up to 90 days, providing a thorough overview of an individual’s behavior.
This prolonged detection gives employers a more comprehensive insight into employee or applicant drug history, enhancing informed decision-making processes.
In Perry, SC, hair follicle drug testing is known for its tamper-resistant nature, offering a higher level of reliability.
This method greatly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration or substitution. As hair is collected directly from the individual under observation, the opportunities for interference are limited.
Users can count on the tests presenting unquestionable results.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, Perry, SC residents can access hair follicle drug testing effortlessly.
The extensive network of testing centers enables quick and hassle-free service, reducing wait times.
Local and nationwide accessibility ensures services are readily available, providing individuals and businesses ease in scheduling their tests.
In Perry, SC, a simple and confidential process awaits those needing hair follicle drug testing.
The straightforward procedure covers ordering, sample collection, and obtaining results, while prioritizing privacy concerns at every step.
These measures ensure individuals can handle test-related matters discreetly and efficiently, maintaining confidentiality throughout.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround make hair follicle testing in Perry, SC, an appealing option for businesses of all sizes.
The competitive fee structure ensures quality testing is accessible, while quick processing delivers speedy results.
Organizations leverage these advantages to maximize value, gaining cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
In Perry, SC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision offered by hair testing ensures dependable substance use detection, making it an essential tool.
Compared to other methods, hair follicle testing significantly enhances the speed at which results are delivered, helping to facilitate quicker decision-making processes.
Employers in the region benefit from its highly reliable outcomes.
Employers in Perry, SC, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing.
By upholding workplace drug-free policies, this method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances the safety of the working environment.
The tests reinforce an organization's commitment to maintaining standards and ensuring a secure, drug-free workspace.
