Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, difficult to alter, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for initial multi-panel and confirmatory testing. For assessments involving EtG, additional substances, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, gathering an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing required for a drug test result includes four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating the sample into the laboratory's system. This process encompasses ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data input not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary scan for drugs of abuse. Although this method is a cost-effective solution to exclude drug presence in most cases, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Positive screen samples must undergo further confirmation.
Presumptive positive samples in the Screening phase require additional hair for Extraction. Here, drug extraction from the hair is minimal in concentration compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, thus presenting challenges unique to hair drug testing.
Confirmation of positive outcomes from Screening is achieved using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as required. The laboratory procedures from Accessioning through Confirmation undergo review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Privateer, SC
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests with its ability to offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. It provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use, capturing a longer history of use that urine tests might miss. This ensures a more thorough assessment, offering reassurance and peace of mind to employers and organizations.
Employers seeking to enforce strict no-drug policies benefit from the enhanced detection capabilities of hair testing. In Privateer, SC, this method isn't just about catching current usage but understanding patterns over time, thus promoting a truly drug-free workplace environment.
Extended Detection Window in Privateer, SC
The extended detection window of up to 90 days makes hair follicle testing exceptional in rooting out substance history. Employers gain a wealth of information on an individual's drug use over months, offering a panoramic view of their habits. This long-term perspective is invaluable for shaping policies and making informed probationary decisions.
In Privateer, SC, this approach helps organizations maintain a secure and drug-free environment by understanding not just recent but also past substance use without relying solely on immediate short-term analyses.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Privateer, SC
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its resilience against tampering. The integrity of the samples stays intact, making it virtually impossible for individuals to alter or dilute results. This unwavering reliability ensures organizations in Privateer, SC can depend on credible drug test outcomes.
Reduced chances of adulteration mean hair testing offers unrivaled security and consistency, providing definitive results that can uphold scrutiny in any legal or professional setting.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Privateer, SC
Accredited Drug Testing's widespread network of testing centers provides unmatched convenience. In Privateer, SC, our local presence ensures easy access to drug testing services, minimizing disruption and travel for individuals and organizations alike.
The simplicity of access with numerous centers nationwide further amplifies the hassle-free nature of our services, making drug testing an easy task for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Privateer, SC
Our process is designed to maintain simplicity and confidentiality from the start to the finish. Ordering, undergoing testing, and receiving results is streamlined, ensuring the privacy of individuals is paramount throughout.
In Privateer, SC, clients are assured that their data is handled with the utmost care, reinforcing trust in our services and ensuring a worry-free experience in maintaining personal confidentiality during drug screenings.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Privateer, SC
Our competitive pricing strategy ensures that quality drug testing services are accessible to companies of all scales. In Privateer, SC, organizations benefit from cost-efficiency without compromising the integrity and speed of analysis.
Fast turnaround times complement our affordable rates, delivering value that encompasses both fiscal responsibility and the highest standards of testing reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Privateer, SC
The precision and promptness of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. These tests deliver high accuracy in recognizing substance use, presenting the most reliable way to detect drugs. The consistent results ensure that individuals and organizations can trust the findings, making informed decisions based on accurate data.
The agility of hair testing means you no longer face delays in getting results. In Privateer, SC, this efficiency supports timely interventions and decision-making processes. Accuracy and reliability go hand in hand, ensuring the utmost confidence in the drug testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Privateer, SC
Implementing hair follicle testing bestows employers with confidence in maintaining drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities. Such a robust approach ensures compliance with regulations, fostering a safe working environment in Privateer, SC.
The peace of mind that comes with superior testing methodologies allows businesses to operate smoothly with assurance in their workforce's sobriety and integrity, ultimately enhancing overall workplace safety.