Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The value of hair testing as an instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption is now widely acknowledged. Hair captures a long-term history of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strand. When taken near the scalp, it can offer up to a three-month detection window for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimum quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, or any test exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair is suitable. The term ‘head hair’ exclusively denotes scalp hair, while ‘body hair’ covers all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in processing a drug test result in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. It involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary scan for substances of abuse. It is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug usage in most samples, yet a positive screen requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any sample with a presumptive positive needs further confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is obtained from the sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair in this stage at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening one of the most intricate testing methods.
Confirming a positive Screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if needed. The end-to-end lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously reviewed according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Conducting drug tests in Toddville, SC, hair follicle testing is more advantageous over urine testing. Price isn't the only thing that matters; these tests have a superior edge as they provide a comprehensive view. Hair testing is known for its reliability and exhibits a greater detection accuracy, making it an optimal choice for employers and organizations requiring thorough assessments.
In Toddville, SC, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is invaluable. Unlike traditional methods, it grants employers a long-term view of an individual's substance use, covering up to 90 days back. This expansive window provides unnoticed insight into ongoing or past usage, aiding in informed decision-making.
Employers in Toddville, SC, see the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing as an undeniable asset. This method considerably minimizes the chance of sample adulteration. By reducing such risks, it ensures that received results are reliable and consistent, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Ease of access in Toddville, SC, is made possible through our nationwide network of testing locations. Having a widespread array of centers allows for convenient testing, making the process hassle-free and efficiently accessible, benefiting employers and individuals alike.
In Toddville, SC, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From beginning to end, from booking your test to receiving your results, every step is conducted with attention to privacy and ease of use, ensuring clients feel secure throughout the procedure.
Our clients in Toddville, SC, appreciate the affordable pricing of our hair follicle testing services. Not only are costs competitive, but we also promise a quick turnaround, providing fantastic value and peace of mind to organizations, no matter their size or testing requirements.
Hair follicle drug tests in Toddville, SC, deliver swift and precise results. This testing method excels in combining speed and accuracy, allowing for efficient detection of substance usage. Hair analysis is acknowledged for its high detection capabilities, covering a broad scope of substances and significantly outshining traditional testing methods.
In Toddville, SC, hair follicle drug testing grants employers the peace of mind essential for upholding company policies. This method helps organizations ensure they follow drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while significantly boosting workplace safety.