Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use over time by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can indicate alcohol and drug usage for up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield approximately 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and more extensive tests (beyond 10 panels), a specimen of 150mg is advised. Use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used instead. When mentioning head hair, we are referring exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample has been appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.
Screening provides an initial assessment for any drugs of abuse. Although a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug intake in most samples, any positive results at this stage require further Confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which highlights the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used to confirm any positive results from the Screening. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process prior to Confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. Helena, SC: Hair testing offers unrivaled benefits over urine tests. It boasts superior detection accuracy, uncovering drug use that urine tests might miss. The reliability of hair tests stems from their longer detection window and resistance to tampering, ensuring more dependable results for employers and legal professionals alike.
Extended Detection Window in St. Helena, SC: The extensive detection period of up to 90 days is a key benefit of hair follicle testing. This long timeframe provides a thorough view of an individual's substance use history, aiding employers in making well-informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees. Hair testing allows for a fuller understanding of long-term drug use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in St. Helena, SC: Hair follicle drug tests drastically minimize the chance of adulteration. The tests offer reliable, unquestioned results, bringing peace of mind to employers and legal institutions. The robustness and security of this method assure that samples are authentic and unaltered, offering confidence in testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in St. Helena, SC: Benefit from the ease and accessibility offered by our numerous testing centers across the nation, including local options in St. Helena. The wide availability ensures prompt and hassle-free testing, allowing individuals and employers quick access to necessary services without the stress of long commutes.
Simple, Confidential Process in St. Helena, SC: Our testing process is straightforward and ensures privacy. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, confidentiality is kept a top priority. This ease of use lowers barriers for individuals seeking tests and provides comfort in knowing their information remains secure throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in St. Helena, SC: We offer competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times, making our services a valuable asset for businesses of any size. This combination of affordability and efficiency provides excellent value, ensuring that you have the information you need promptly without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in St. Helena, SC: Hair follicle testing is celebrated for its precision. The tests deliver results swiftly, making them invaluable for detecting substance use. This method offers high accuracy unmatched by other test forms, ensuring that individuals are properly screened. Employers and legal entities rely on these fast results to make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in St. Helena, SC: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain adherence to strict drug-free policies. It minimizes legal risks while promoting workplace safety by preventing potential incidents due to substance use. Employers find reassurance in maintaining rigorous standards through such reliable testing processes.
