Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective technique for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers a lengthy record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window for alcohol and other drugs that lasts up to around three months. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tough to adulterate, and straightforward to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. The term 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair only. 'Body hair' encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages of processing a drug test result in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into the lab's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, granting it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for a majority of samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be accepted in legal settings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a further confirmation step.
When a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is considered the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand itself and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Tops Urine Testing in Surfside Beach, SC
In Surfside Beach, hair testing demonstrates more accuracy than traditional urine tests. It detects drug use reliably over an extended duration.
Extended Detection Window in Surfside Beach, SC
Hair follicle tests offer a broad detection period, monitoring drug use up to 90 days. This long-term window grants employers a holistic view of substance history, aiding them in making sound decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Surfside Beach, SC
Hair follicle testing minimizes sample tampering, ensuring results are authentic and dependable. This robust method renders manipulation almost futile.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Surfside Beach, SC
Our widespread testing centers offer seamless access to services, making tests in Surfside Beach hassle-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Surfside Beach, SC
Ordering, conducting, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and secure, attending to privacy concerns efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Surfside Beach, SC
Our competitive pricing and swift turnarounds offer businesses great value and assurance that needs are met economically and promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Surfside Beach, SC
Hair follicle drug testing ensures swift and precise results, offering unmatched accuracy. This method quickly detects substance intake, providing definitive answers for individuals and organizations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Surfside Beach, SC
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing by aligning with drug-free policies, mitigating legal issues, and bolstering workplace safety. This adherence enriches organizational peace of mind and trust.
