Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged record of substance use due to the presence of biomarkers within the hair’s fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a drug and alcohol usage history for up to roughly 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is hassle-free.
A 1.5-inch portion, consisting of 200 strands (similar volume to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, additional screenings, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, collect an equivalent amount of body hair. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary check for drug presence. This economical approach can rule out drug usage in most samples; however, any positive screens necessitate confirmation for court acceptability. Samples that are positive during Screening require further verification.
Should Screening indicate a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. This step retrieves drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most complex technique.
Confirmation of positive results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Promised Land, SC Hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior capability to detect drug use over an extended period, surpassing the limitations of urine testing. The enhanced detection window offered by hair tests, reaching up to 90 days, provides employers and authorities with a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history. Moreover, hair tests are less prone to tampering, ensuring a higher level of reliability and accuracy compared to traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Promised Land, SC One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, which can cover up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's substance use history. A longer detection window means that temporary abstention cannot mask past drug use, offering a true representation of an individual’s habits. This allows for more informed decision-making and robust hiring practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Promised Land, SC Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage by reducing the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are resistant to conventional adulteration strategies, providing reliable and unquestionable results. The observed collection process ensures sample integrity, making it an ideal choice for employers seeking accurate and trustworthy drug screening solutions. This conveys assurance in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Promised Land, SC With testing centers available nationwide, including local access in Promised Land, testing becomes convenient and hassle-free. Employers and individuals alike benefit from quick and easy access to testing services, eliminating the stress of traveling long distances for test appointments. This network of nationwide facilities supports efficient scheduling and prompt testing, ensuring the process is smooth and convenient at every step.
Simple, Confidential Process in Promised Land, SC The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair test results is designed to be simple and confidential. Concerns over privacy are addressed comprehensively, ensuring that all aspects of the testing procedure remain discreet and secure. Individuals and organizations in Promised Land can rely on a straightforward process that respects privacy, allowing for quick access to results without unnecessary complexity or complications.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Promised Land, SC Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing an excellent value option for companies of all sizes. Promised Land organizations benefit from affordable testing solutions without compromising on quality or accuracy. The quick processing of results ensures that businesses can make timely decisions, reinforcing their value proposition while simultaneously maintaining budgetary considerations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Promised Land, SC Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and promptness, ensuring that the results delivered are both swift and accurate when it comes to detecting substance use. The advanced technology in hair testing allows for high specificity, which is instrumental in identifying drug traces reliably. Employers and other organizations in Promised Land can count on results that are not only fast but precise, credible, and dependable for informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Promised Land, SC Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, thus reducing potential legal risks. These tests provide peace of mind, bolstered by their robust detection capabilities—ensuring a safer working environment. With comprehensive insights into employees' substance use, companies can better manage risks associated with workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
