Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective mechanism for uncovering drug and alcohol intake. The hair reveals an extended timeline of alcohol and drug interaction by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, the hair can provide a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches involving around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg, which is the perfect sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair might be utilized. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The fundamental steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process checks if the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening allows for an initial rapid scan for drugs. Though Screening is economical for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples from Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a smaller concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Tatum, SC, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its unparalleled detection accuracy. Hair tests are especially preferred over traditional urine tests as they offer a more reliable and precise measure of drug use history, ensuring employers and authorities have confidence in the results.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Tatum, SC allows for a comprehensive review of an individual's substance use over a period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed account of an applicant's or employee’s history in drug consumption.
In Tatum, SC, the robustness of hair follicle testing greatly minimizes the likelihood of tampering. This testing methodology ensures that results are credible and dispute-free, making it a trusted option for verifying drug use.
Accessing drug testing services in Tatum, SC is straightforward with our widespread testing centers. We provide a hassle-free and efficient process for individuals needing tests, thanks to the convenience of our nationwide centers.
Our testing process in Tatum, SC is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the entire procedure prioritizes privacy while ensuring ease of use, alleviating concerns related to confidentiality.
Offering competitive pricing models in Tatum, SC, our hair follicle testing services are affordable with swift result turnaround times, ensuring companies of all sizes receive excellent value and assurance.
Hair follicle drug tests in Tatum, SC offer rapid and precise results. These tests are designed to provide a high level of accuracy, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use, assuring both speed and reliability in results.
Hair follicle testing in Tatum, SC ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing the risk of legal challenges and enhancing overall workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers.
