Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of hair as it grows. When trimmed close to the scalp, this type of testing can reveal drug and alcohol use within an approximate three-month timeframe. The procedure for collecting hair is straightforward, is relatively resistant to tampering, and is convenient to transport.
For optimal screening and confirmation, a sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair. For EtG, add-on, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, the recommended amount is 150mg. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The processing of drug test results in a lab comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage and involves integrating the sample into the lab’s system. This includes confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drug abuse. Although it is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most cases, any positive outcomes from Screening require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that show a presumptive positive result during Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the original collection is prepared for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging to conduct.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods perform the Confirmation of any positive Screening result. All samples that show presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Woodford, SC, hair testing offers unparalleled advantages over traditional urine exams. Hair follicle analysis provides superior detection accuracy for a broader range of substances. Notably, the test's reliability surmounts any practitioner’s expectations, making it a preferred choice for critical drug screening processes.
Unlike urine tests, hair tests are far less susceptible to contamination or manipulation, providing a stronger reliability factor for those administering the test.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Woodford, SC, extends substance detection up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers a comprehensive review of an individual’s drug use history, necessary for both pre-hire assessments and ongoing employee evaluations.
Employers gain valuable insights into an applicant's long-term drug use patterns. This data aids in making informed hiring decisions, ensuring a safer workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: Woodford, SC, utilizes hair follicle tests that significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration. These tests present reliable results by virtually eliminating sample manipulation, thus offering an integrity level unmatched by other testing methods.
With the rigorous scrutiny involved in the collection process, the results stand as robust evidence for stakeholders seeking foolproof drug testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: In Woodford, SC, we emphasize convenience through our expansive network of testing facilities. Nationwide and local options provide straightforward access to hair follicle testing services, making the process seamless for all parties.
Our strategically placed centers ensure that individuals and employers alike benefit from quick and hassle-free testing procedures, maintaining operational efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process: The hair follicle testing process in Woodford, SC, is simple and respects the privacy of those tested. Ordering and receiving results occur with utmost confidentiality, bolstering trust in how employers handle drug testing.
The straightforward process involves direct collection at our centers, ensuring clarity and discretion from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: In Woodford, SC, we stand out with competitive pricing and swift result delivery. Organizations, regardless of size, benefit from our cost-effective testing solutions, blending affordability with timeliness.
Clients appreciate the value proposition, as our quick turnaround times harmonize with budget-friendly plans, enhancing their overall drug testing experience.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Woodford, SC, hair follicle drug tests exemplify precision and dependability. With cutting-edge technology, these tests uncover substance use with high accuracy, surpassing other methods. Their reliability in yielding quick results allows stakeholders to make informed decisions with confidence.
The swift process inherent in hair testing ensures prompt feedback, fostering an environment where employers have trust in their drug screening endeavors.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Adopting hair follicle testing in Woodford, SC, helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. For employers, this compliance translates to minimized legal issues and a safer, more productive workplace.
Employers attain peace of mind, knowing they are equipped with a highly reliable method to enforce their substance policies effectively.
