Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an advantageous approach to identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands essentially capture biomarkers within the fibers, providing a comprehensive long-term record of substance use. When collected from the area nearest the scalp, hair samples can reveal substance use over a duration of up to about three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A recommended 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly equating to the size of a #2 pencil), can yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial screening and further analysis. For specialized tests such as EtG, additional substances, or those exceeding 10 panels, obtaining 150mg of hair is advisable. It's beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent mass of body hair is appropriate. Reference to head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing lab process comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the starting point, where a sample is formally processed into a laboratory’s system. Essential tasks include verifying the sample's secure sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplementing any missing information not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial assessment to identify drug presence. Though a cost-effective measure to effectively dismiss drug use in many cases, a positive result at this stage demands confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples identified in Screening are subject to secondary confirmation.
When a sample proves positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This step isolates drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), illustrating the complexity of hair drug screening practices.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed through advanced techniques including GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. If needed, samples undergo a preparatory wash before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, commencing from Accessioning to the final Confirmation stage, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines under the Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Red Hill, SC
Hair testing offers clear advantages over urine tests in determining drug use. While urine tests are standard, hair follicle tests detect substance use over longer terms and provide unparalleled accuracy. With better detection capabilities, hair tests deliver results that are more comprehensive and reliable, effectively meeting the needs of both employers and legal systems.
Extended Detection Window in Red Hill, SC
The key benefit of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drugs over an extended period. Covering up to 90 days, it allows employers to gain a broad view of an individual’s substance use history. This comprehensive timeline gives a better insight into the patterns of usage, assisting informed decision-making for employment and compliance purposes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Red Hill, SC
Hair follicle testing is known for being tamper-resistant. Its method minimizes risks of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain trustworthy and robust. This reliability provides peace of mind to employers, as the integrity of the testing process is maintained, resulting in unquestionable outcomes that support workplace safety and compliance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Red Hill, SC
Our widespread testing centers offer ultimate convenience for those in Red Hill and beyond. Easily accessible, these locations provide a hassle-free experience for conducting necessary tests quickly and efficiently. The availability of local options ensures that testing is both accessible and swift.
Simple, Confidential Process in Red Hill, SC
Our straightforward and confidential process for testing ensures privacy and ease of use for all clients. Each step, from ordering to receiving results, is designed with discretion in mind, offering peace of mind for individuals concerned about confidentiality while providing seamless service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Red Hill, SC
Competitive pricing combined with fast turnaround times characterizes our service in Red Hill. This ensures companies of all sizes receive excellent value. Our approach to pricing and efficiency means that high-quality testing doesn’t have to come at a premium, making it a practical choice for many.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Red Hill, SC
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness. They ensure high accuracy in uncovering substance use, providing reliable results that employers can depend on. The efficiency of this method means that decisions can be made swiftly, reducing waiting times and ensuring that operations continue smoothly without disruptions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Red Hill, SC
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing by achieving compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal liabilities and helps create a safer work environment. Knowing that their policies are supported by reliable testing, employers can focus on building a productive and secure workspace.
