Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an influential means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, it offers a detection timeframe of roughly three months for alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and can be easily mailed.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests or assessments with more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is advised. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. ‘Head hair’ pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while ‘body hair’ includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory methods for processing a drug test result involve four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory procedure of entering a sample into a lab's framework. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary check for substance misuse. While cost-effective in eliminating drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court acceptance. Samples indicating a presumptive positive from Screening necessitate secondary verification.
When indicated presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction step. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for each positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, follows regulations from both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", this procedure examines the strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Plum Branch, SC: Hair testing offers remarkable advantages over urine tests, including superior detection accuracy and reliability. A major benefit is its ability to detect substance use over a more extended period, giving a comprehensive substance history.
Compared to urine testing, hair tests are less prone to tampering and provide a broader detection window, facilitating precise assessments of drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Plum Branch, SC: Hair follicle tests boast an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing traditional drug testing methods. This period allows employers to gain a holistic view of an individual's substance use history.
With a longer detection timeline, employers can make informed decisions, whether they're assessing new hires or monitoring current employees, ensuring workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Plum Branch, SC: Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, guaranteeing reliable results. This method provides peace of mind for employers and legal entities alike.
Thanks to its design, hair follicle testing is nearly impossible to tamper with, thus ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the results, making it a trustworthy choice for all stakeholders.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Plum Branch, SC: Offering a wide network of testing centers nationwide, hair follicle testing is easily accessible. This infrastructure ensures swift and convenient access to testing services without hassle.
Local presence near Plum Branch amplifies accessibility, allowing individuals and businesses to promptly obtain testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Plum Branch, SC: The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use. This simplicity is a crucial advantage for users.
From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to be user-friendly and private, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Plum Branch, SC: Competitive pricing structures combined with quick turnaround times offer exceptional value for businesses of any size, ensuring economical and timely drug testing solutions.
Employers appreciate the swift results and cost-effectiveness of hair follicle tests, offering peace of mind and budget-friendly options for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Plum Branch, SC: Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their high precision and rapid turnaround time. This testing method detects substance use with unmatched accuracy, emerging as a preferred option in drug detection procedures.
Quick and accurate, hair testing provides results that employers and legal authorities trust when screening for substance use. The reliability of these tests instills confidence in decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Plum Branch, SC: Employing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug policies, mitigating legal risks while enhancing the safety of the work environment.
By integrating hair testing into drug-free workplace initiatives, employers can substantiate their compliance, fostering a secure and productive workspace.
