Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting the intake of drugs and alcohol. It offers an extensive record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. Hair collected near the scalp can reveal a detection period of roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, the same quantity of body hair may be taken. In terms of head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in processing a drug test result by a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s framework. This step includes checking the sample’s seal and shipment details, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit drug presence. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to rule out drug consumption in most samples, a positive Screening needs further confirmation to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary validation step.
If a sample indicates presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive results found in the Screening phase is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Every presumptively positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation as necessary. The whole lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
In York, SC, hair follicle testing proves advantageous over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection and reliability. While urine tests remain common, hair testing offers enhanced accuracy and comprehensive detection.
Benefits of Hair Testing:
These factors highlight why hair testing is increasingly preferred over urine-based methods for detecting drug use.
Hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection period in York, SC, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This offers employers an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance history, essential for informed decision-making.
This extended window allows for a comprehensive review of an employee or applicant's background, ensuring a thorough evaluation of potential substance use over time.
York, SC benefits from the significantly tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. This testing method drastically minimizes the chance of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and indisputable outcomes.
The strength of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to adulteration, preserving the integrity and accuracy of results, crucial for trustworthy drug testing.
In York, SC, the convenience of extensive nationwide and local testing centers ensures that hair follicle testing is accessible and hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing offers seamless access across numerous locations for quick and easy service.
This network of testing facilities guarantees easy access to drug testing services, prioritizing both convenience and efficiency for all clients.
York, SC residents can rely on a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering to receiving results, our process is designed to safeguard privacy while ensuring simplicity and ease for all involved.
Maintaining confidentiality and simplicity is at the core of our testing service, guaranteeing clients a smooth and secure experience throughout.
Accredited Drug Testing in York, SC offers competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround for hair follicle testing. This ensures affordability and timely service delivery, meeting the needs of businesses of varying sizes.
By combining cost-effective solutions with fast processing times, our testing services provide outstanding value and assurance to local companies.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests provide York, SC with results that are both fast and accurate. Their ability to precisely detect substance use ensures high reliability, making them a preferred choice for accurate drug testing.
With hair follicle testing, you can expect rapid results without compromising accuracy, making these tests a reliable tool in identifying substance usage promptly and effectively.
Employers in York, SC gain assurance with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method helps mitigate legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.
Utilizing hair testing aligns with maintaining peace of mind for employers, as it supports a commitment to a drug-free policy and enhances overall workplace security.
