Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. By incorporating biomarkers into the fibers of hair as it grows, hair offers an extended history of drug and alcohol consumption. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use over a roughly 3-month time frame. Hair is straightforward to collect, harder to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 strands of hair (equivalent to a #2 pencil’s width) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an identical quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair forms (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test outcome within a laboratory encompasses four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning associates with the initial handling of a specimen in a lab's framework. It involves checking that the specimen is correctly sealed and delivered, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening delivers a preliminary quick assessment for illicit drugs. While Screening offers a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in most cases, corroboration is necessary for positive results to stand in legal proceedings. Any specimens yielding presumptive positives during the Screening phase necessitate additional verification.
If a specimen indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of any positive findings from the screening phase is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo a wash before confirmation if required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly titled "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Saint Matthews, SC over urine testing means superior accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window provides employers and professionals with a robust picture of substance use history. Hair testing’s reliability in pinpointing drug use sets a higher standard than urine tests, offering peace of mind in crucial decision-making processes.
Employers in Saint Matthews, SC benefit from hair follicle tests due to their extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests offer a more comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history. The longer timeframe for detection allows employers to make informed hiring and retention decisions, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
A standout feature of hair follicle tests in Saint Matthews, SC is their resistance to tampering. The collection process is directly observed, leaving little room for adulteration. This ensures the results are reliable and unquestionable. By minimizing the risk of manipulation, hair testing provides a trustworthy evaluation of substance use.
Saint Matthews, SC enjoys the convenience of nationwide, easy-access testing centers. Our widespread locations ensure quick, hassle-free drug testing services, accommodating busy schedules. Short wait times and efficient testing processes mean you're never far from a reliable solution, simplifying drug testing for everyone.
The hair follicle testing process in Saint Matthews, SC is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. Individuals can trust that their information remains secure throughout this discreet procedure, with minimal effort required.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in Saint Matthews, SC is a cost-effective choice for companies. Our pricing structure ensures excellent value, accommodating budgets of all sizes. Fast results mean decisions can be made swiftly, enhancing workplace efficiency without compromising financial resources.
Hair follicle drug tests in Saint Matthews, SC are renowned for their quick, precise outcomes. Accuracy is a cornerstone, offering reliable substance detection that surpasses traditional methods. The swift process ensures you're in and out quickly, with assured confidentiality. Choose this test for dependable results every time, meeting all standards for effectiveness and efficiency.
Hair follicle testing in Saint Matthews, SC offers compliance assurance for employers. Utilizing this method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposure while enhancing safety measures. Employers gain peace of mind knowing the test results are steadfast, aligning with organizational and regulatory standards.
