Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a prolonged archive of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the advancing hair strand. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for delivery.
A section measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation tests. For tests such as EtG, extensions, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. When we refer to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test outcome involves four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a specimen into a lab's system. This process involves confirming that the specimen was correctly sealed and dispatched, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening employs an initial rapid assessment for potential drug use. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method for excluding drug usage in most specimens, any positive result needs verification for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumable positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are pulled from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
In Rowesville, SC, the superiority of hair follicle testing over urine tests is becoming clear. Hair testing offers improved accuracy in detecting substances, with its ability to reveal drug use patterns more reliably than urine tests. The thoroughness of a hair test, combined with an extended period of detection, ensures a more accurate assessment.
The hair follicle testing in Rowesville, SC, offers an extended detection window up to 90 days. This lengthy window allows employers to gain a broader understanding of an individual’s drug history, which is essential for thorough workplace assessments.
The hair follicle tests conducted in Rowesville, SC, possess a significant advantage in minimizing sample tampering. They provide reliable, untampered results, making them a trusted choice for detailed drug analysis and genuine outcomes.
Our testing centers, conveniently located in Rowesville, SC, and across the nation, offer easy access to testing services. This accessibility ensures a hassle-free experience, catering to the needs of busy individuals and companies alike.
The hair follicle testing process in Rowesville, SC, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the streamlined process ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns about confidentiality with complete discretion.
With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our services in Rowesville, SC, offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. The affordability and efficiency provided ensure peace of mind and a reliable testing partner.
In Rowesville, SC, the results of hair follicle drug tests are distinguished by their precision, swiftness, and reliability. These tests are known for their precise detection of substance use, giving both individuals and organizations the confidence in their findings.
In Rowesville, SC, utilizing hair follicle testing promotes compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This fosters a safer work environment by reducing legal risks and giving employers peace of mind regarding employee substance use monitoring.