Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A collected sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of incorporating a specimen into the lab's system. This process involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial, quick review for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal situations. Any samples that show preliminary positive results in Screening need further verification.
Should a sample show a preliminary positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is the most challenging technique to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Six Mile, SC, due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. The comparisons are stark, showcasing the benefits of hair over urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Six Mile, SC, offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window. This method can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, providing employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance history.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Six Mile, SC, greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. These tests bring forth reliable and indisputable results, crucial for entities requiring assured integrity.
Our nationwide and local testing facilities in Six Mile, SC, offer unparalleled convenience. Accessing our centers is quick and effortless, ensuring a hassle-free testing experience.
In Six Mile, SC, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. We focus on ensuring privacy, ease of ordering, and straightforward results delivery, addressing any privacy concerns efficiently.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Six Mile, SC, our hair follicle testing provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes. We emphasize competitive pricing structures, ensuring high value and peace of mind.
In Six Mile, SC, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests speedily detect substance use with a high degree of accuracy. Hair follicle testing is a go-to method for those needing precise and timely results, especially when quick decision-making is essential.
Employers in Six Mile, SC, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, cutting down legal risks and elevating workplace safety.
