Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing has evolved into recognizing it as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal insights into alcohol and drug use within an approximate 3-month timeframe. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
An optimal hair sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair for effective screening and validation. In cases involving EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is preferred. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's workflow. This stage ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for potential drug presence. While it is an economical approach to mostly exclude drug usage, any positive indication requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate further validation.
For samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening procedures.
Confirmation of a positive screening is conducted through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation, if necessary. The full laboratory procedure, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair assignment and accorded ISO / IEC 17025 compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the methodology evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Starr, SC
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests, hair analysis stands out due to superior detection accuracy. It delivers reliable results, far exceeding the capabilities of urine screenings, especially with a prolonged detection window and resistance to adulteration.
Extended Detection Window in Starr, SC
Hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection period of up to 90 days, providing employers insight into an individual's substance use history. This extended window is an invaluable tool for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Starr, SC
Hair follicle drug tests significantly reduce the risk of tampering. Samples are challenging to adulterate, ensuring the results are reliable and indisputable, thereby protecting the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Starr, SC
With nationwide centers, testing accessibility in Starr has never been simpler. Our locations guarantee quick and convenient services, offering a seamless experience for individuals and employers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Starr, SC
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is neither cumbersome nor invasive. We prioritize confidentiality, ensuring a private and user-friendly experience for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Starr, SC
Our competitive pricing structure combined with speedy result delivery provides excellent value. Companies can rely on our services for both cost-effectiveness and rapid turnaround, making us a leading choice for testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Starr, SC
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and efficiency in Starr. With high accuracy levels, they swiftly detect substance use, leaving no margin for error. This reliability makes them an ideal choice for those seeking quick and definitive results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Starr, SC
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, granting employers peace of mind.
