Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent means to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lengthy record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers in its growing strands. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and painless to transport.
An inch-and-a-half specimen of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating a #2 pencil) near the scalp offers 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair using a jeweler’s scale. Lacking scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair might be sourced. Head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the forefront processing of a specimen within a lab's framework. Tasks include affirming the sample's proper sealing and delivery, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial check for substances of abuse. While an economical approach to dismiss drug consumption in most cases, a positive screen demands validation for court admissibility. Any samples flagged as presumptive in Screening necessitate a further check.
Should a sample prove presumptive in the Screening, additional hairs are extracted from the initial batch and prepped for Extraction. Here, substances are removed from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging procedure.
Endorsement of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptively positive samples receive washing as required. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the validation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair shaft, not the follicle embedded beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stateburg, SC
Hair follicle testing provides enhanced benefits compared to traditional urine tests, offering superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Stateburg, SC
Hair follicle testing allows for drug use detection over a prolonged period, up to 90 days, granting employers a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stateburg, SC
Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the chances of adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestioned results for drug testing purposes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stateburg, SC
Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation guarantees quick, easy, and hassle-free access to drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stateburg, SC
Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy and usability concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stateburg, SC
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times provide excellent value, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stateburg, SC
Hair follicle drug testing offers precision and speed in detecting substance use, making it a preferred choice for accuracy. The ability to quickly identify substances ensures reliable results, fostering confidence in drug testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stateburg, SC
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting workplace safety.