Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of nearly three months for both alcohol and other drugs. It's easy to collect hair, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately matching the size of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp is not available, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in handling a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is entered into a laboratory’s system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for commonly abused drugs. While it's a cost-effective measure to dismiss drug usage in most samples, courts require confirmation for positive results. Samples with preliminary positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and prepared for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower levels than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.
Any positive outcomes from the screening stage are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, presumptively positive samples are washed if needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pineland, SC
Hair follicle tests outpace traditional urine tests in pinpointing substance use in Pineland, SC. With greater detection reliability and accuracy, hair tests provide superior insights into long-term drug use patterns. Unlike urine tests which focus on recent use, hair testing traces substance intake over an extended timeframe, ensuring employers receive a comprehensive view of a candidate's or employee's habits.
Extended Detection Window in Pineland, SC
In Pineland, SC, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This broader scope allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, proving invaluable when assessing long-term behavioral patterns. The extended detection duration makes hair testing an indispensable tool for comprehensive employee assessments and informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pineland, SC
Hair follicle testing in Pineland, SC, showcases its tamper-resistant properties, setting it apart from other testing methods. The test's structure significantly diminishes the risk of adulteration, ensuring results remain reliable and indisputable. This enhanced security makes hair tests a formidable option for substance detection, preserving the integrity and accuracy of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pineland, SC
With an array of testing centers spread nationwide and in Pineland, SC, hair follicle testing is accessible and hassle-free. Our easily reachable locations ensure that testing demands are met swiftly and efficiently, reducing downtime and disruption. Employers and individuals alike benefit from the convenience of local and nationwide sites for seamless testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pineland, SC
The hair follicle testing process in Pineland, SC, is crafted for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are straightforward, prioritizing user privacy and ease. This client-friendly approach ensures that individuals undertaking tests have an uncomplicated and secure experience, addressing concerns regarding privacy with utmost care.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pineland, SC
In Pineland, SC, organizations benefit from competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our cost-effective solutions offer excellent value to companies of any size. The combination of affordability and prompt results makes this testing method an attractive choice in drug-testing protocols, ensuring peace of mind with its efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pineland, SC
Hair follicle drug tests in Pineland, SC, excel in delivering fast and reliable results. Unlike other methods, hair testing identifies substance use with heightened accuracy. These tests are adept at pinpointing drug use, providing a clear and precise insight into an individual's history. With quick processing times, companies benefit from both speed and dependability in their testing processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pineland, SC
Adopting hair follicle testing in Pineland, SC, helps employers uphold drug-free workplace policies effectively. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also promotes enhanced workplace safety. Organizations can rest assured that they are maintaining compliance while fostering a secure and productive environment for all employees through reliable hair testing methods.
