Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. It offers a prolonged timeline of substance use by securing biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can provide insight into drug and alcohol use for up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 strands of hair (similar size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be acquired. 'Head hair' specifically indicates scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially entering a sample into the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for identifying drugs of abuse. This stage offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug presence in most samples; however, a court-acceptable positive requires confirmation. Any samples with a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
When Screening suggests a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drug extraction occurs at significantly lower concentrations than in other forms like urine or oral fluid, underlining the complexity of hair drug testing.
Any positive result in Screening undergoes Confirmation via techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test, often termed a "hair follicle test", actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing is Superior: In Williams, SC, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests due to their significantly extended detection window and difficulty to manipulate. While urine tests serve immediate detection needs, hair testing unveils a more comprehensive history of substance use.
Accurate Detection: Hair testing's detailed analysis offers a superior accuracy over urine methods, reducing false negatives. This reliability makes hair testing the go-to solution for companies enforcing strict drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window: The hair follicle test's ability to detect drug use up to 90 days is invaluable for employers in Williams, SC. It provides a broader scope of an individual's past substance habits compared to other methods, contributing to informed decision-making.
Long-term Insight: Where other tests stop at days, hair testing extends to months, offering employers a comprehensive view of an employee or candidate's consistency in maintaining substance-free habits.
Secure and Tamper-Proof: Hair follicle testing in Williams, SC stands as a robust method against sample tampering, ensuring the authenticity of results. Its rigour renders adulteration nearly impossible, providing comforting assurance to those relying on its outcomes.
Reliability in Results: Hair tests minimize the risk of manipulation, presenting clear and unquestionable findings. For environments demanding integrity, this method effectively prevents deceptive practices in testing.
Convenient Nationwide Access: In Williams, SC, and beyond, the expansive network of testing centers simplifies access to hair follicle testing services. Nationwide availability means less hassle and rapid service for businesses regardless of their location.
Local and National Reach: Ease of access is key, with numerous centers available to serve local needs efficiently. Whether urban or rural, clients have quick and convenient access to testing.
Effortless and Confidential: Ordering and receiving hair follicle test results in Williams, SC, is designed to be straightforward. A simple, secure process that values user privacy ensures peace of mind with seamless service delivery.
Privacy Prioritized: With confidential procedures, privacy concerns are addressed, encouraging ease of participation in the testing process. This commitment to discretion enhances user trust and compliance.
Cost-effective Solutions: Williams, SC prides itself on offering competitively priced hair follicle testing with rapid turnaround times. Businesses benefit from quality service without burdensome costs, receiving excellent value for their investment.
Rapid Results: Quick processing time and affordability make hair tests an attractive option for companies of all scales, ensuring budget-friendly solutions paired with timely results.
Fast and Precise hair follicle testing in Williams, SC offers unmatched speed and accuracy in identifying substance use. The results are both timely and trustworthy, ensuring that any detection of drugs is precise without the lengthy waiting periods associated with older methods.
High Accuracy: When it comes to precision, hair testing leaves little room for error. Its advanced methodology means lab results are some of the most reliable, capturing substance use effectively and swiftly. In fast-paced environments, quick turnaround becomes a priority.
Compliance and Assurance: Utilizing hair follicle tests in Williams, SC allows employers to align with workplace drug-free policies confidently. Enhancing safety standards while reducing legal liabilities fosters a more secure and compliant work environment.
Employer Peace of Mind: Hair testing offers assurance that employers meet necessary legal obligations. This compliance minimizes potential risks, ensuring that workforce standards are upheld and trust is maintained.
