Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. The hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, optional tests, and/or evaluations over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hairs (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for assessing a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial assimilation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach for eliminating drug use in most cases, a positive result must be validated to be legally admissible. Any samples with preliminary positive findings in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase extracts substances from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
In Wade Hampton, SC, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine testing. Its advanced detection technique guarantees greater accuracy and reliability. Hair tests capture a broader timeframe of substance use, providing a more comprehensive look than urine tests.
The extended detection windows provided by hair follicle testing in Wade Hampton, SC, make them invaluable. These tests can trace substance usage back up to 90 days, furnishing employers with detailed insights into an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Wade Hampton, SC, is renowned for being tamper-resistant. The methodology significantly decreases the chances of sample altering, thus maintaining the reliability and authenticity of the test results.
Wade Hampton, SC, benefits from convenient locations offering hair follicle drug testing. With widespread testing centers nationwide, accessing these services is quick, easy, and hassle-free, enhancing accessibility for all.
In Wade Hampton, SC, the hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, every step ensures the protection of privacy, promptly addressing any concerns an individual might have.
Wade Hampton, SC, enjoys economical pricing and quick result turnaround for hair follicle testing. This balance of value and efficiency caters to businesses of any size seeking sophisticated and dependable drug testing services.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Wade Hampton, SC, set them apart. These tests reveal substance use with high accuracy, offering fast and reliable results. With such dependable data, decision-making becomes straightforward and informed.
In Wade Hampton, SC, employers gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method helps enforce drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposures while enhancing safety and compliance with regulations.
