Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window for alcohol and drugs up to approximately three months. It is easy to gather, relatively hard to alter, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When referencing head hair, we refer to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring that the sample was sealed and shipped appropriately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. While Screening offers an economical way to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legitimate in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods corroborate any positive screening results. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation, as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing is evident in its superior attributes. Hair testing offers enhanced detection accuracy and consistency, outshining traditional urine tests. In West Union, SC, these benefits have led to greater reliance on hair tests to observe a longer period of substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in hair follicle testing is a significant advantage. In West Union, SC, these tests can trace drug usage over a prolonged period, up to 90 days, providing a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, crucial for comprehensive evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method like the hair follicle test significantly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration. In West Union, SC, this reliability results in unquestionable analysis, critical for institutions demanding accurate results for critical decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in West Union, SC facilitate easy access to testing. With centers across the nation, individuals and businesses can quickly avail themselves of hair follicle drug testing services without complication, ensuring an effective process.
Simple, Confidential Process is central to hair follicle testing in West Union, SC. The straightforward method of ordering, completing, and receiving results respects privacy, offering users a confidential and hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround make hair follicle testing an advantageous option in West Union, SC. With competitive rates and quick result timelines, our service ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes, sustaining peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are assured with hair follicle testing in West Union, SC. This testing method boasts high precision in identifying substance use efficiently. Test results are not only speedy but also dependable, providing individuals and employers the confidence they need in the analysis conducted.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers are ensured through hair follicle testing in West Union, SC. Adhering to non-tolerance drug policies safeguards legal interests and fortifies workplace safety, allowing businesses to operate without the concern of drug use issues.
