Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, further analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the primary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening is cost-effective to dismiss drug use in most samples, a confirmed result is necessary for courtroom admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleaned before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Seabrook Island, SC, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in various aspects. The key benefit lies in its superior detection range, ensuring a wider window for discovering substance use. Unlike traditional urine tests which might miss certain drugs after short periods, hair tests provide consistent and reliable results, fostering trust among employers and judicial systems.
Seabrook Island, SC offers an ideal setting for utilizing hair follicle testing, with its ability to detect drugs over an extended time frame of up to 90 days. Employers benefit from this longer detection period, as it allows them to see a more comprehensive picture of past drug use, aiding in informed decision-making during hiring processes.
In Seabrook Island, SC, the risk of tampering is significantly minimized with hair follicle testing. This method is designed to reduce adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. Unlike urine tests, which can be more easily manipulated, hair samples maintain integrity from collection to result.
Seabrook Island, SC residents can enjoy the convenience of a wide array of testing centers nationwide. Accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward, with local facilities ensuring fast and seamless service. This widespread availability makes it easy for individuals and employers to fulfill their drug screening needs without added stress.
In the community of Seabrook Island, SC, the hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and discreet. Ordering, participating, and receiving results is designed to be hassle-free, preserving participants' privacy. From start to finish, the process caters to ease of use while addressing confidentiality concerns effectively.
Offering competitive pricing for businesses and individuals, Accredited Drug Testing in Seabrook Island, SC stands out with its affordable rates and quick results. The swift turnaround time ensures value for money, meeting the needs of both small firms and large corporations seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing in Seabrook Island, SC delivers quick, precise, and reliable outcomes. Accurate detection is ensured as this method screens for drugs with high precision. Compared to other tests, the speed at which results are available is unmatched, making it a preferred choice for urgent screening needs where reliability is paramount.
For employers in Seabrook Island, SC, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It not only mitigates legal risks but also supports a safe work environment. By adhering to these standards, businesses can operate with confidence and reduce concerns related to drug use among employees.
