Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can offer up to a nearly three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we are exclusively referring to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails introducing a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes validating that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not already captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening presents a cost-efficient way to discard drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be used legally. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, hair is screened for drugs at a much lower concentration relative to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a rather challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Beats Urine in Antelope, SD
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests with its expansive detection scope and reliability. Unlike urine testing, which is limited to short-term substance use, hair tests capture a comprehensive drug-use history. The robustness and resistance to tampering underscore its superiority, delivering more reliable results that help employers enforce strict drug policies effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Antelope, SD
Employers seeking a thorough assessment of an individual's drug history turn to hair follicle testing for its extended detection capabilities. With a window of up to 90 days, this method provides transparency into past substance use, offering a broader view than other testing options. This feature is essential for accurate background checks and ongoing employee monitoring.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Antelope, SD
Hair follicle testing stands as a formidable option in combating sample tampering. The secure and straightforward sample collection method resists adulteration and manipulation attempts, ensuring the authenticity of the results. This tamper-proof nature provides peace of mind, especially in environments demanding stringent compliance and reliable testing outcomes.
Convenient Testing Locations in Antelope, SD
With a network of nationwide testing centers, including local options in Antelope, scheduling and performing hair follicle tests is effortless and accessible. This widespread availability means that individuals and employers can quickly find a testing location nearby, making the process seamless and accommodating to busy schedules.
Simple & Confidential Process in Antelope, SD
Accredited Drug Testing offers a straightforward, confidential process for managing hair follicle testing in Antelope. From ordering to receiving your results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. Clients are assured of their data’s security, maintaining confidentiality throughout the testing journey, effectively addressing concerns about personal and sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing & Fast Turnaround in Antelope, SD
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery set us apart, catering to businesses of all sizes in Antelope. We focus on providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed, ensuring clients receive valuable service and results promptly, allowing them to make informed decisions swiftly.
Fast & Accurate Testing in Antelope, SD
Hair follicle testing distinguishes itself with precision and rapid results delivery. The method excels in its ability to promptly identify a variety of substances with high accuracy. This efficiency ensures employers and individuals enjoy confidence in the reliability of their findings, making hair testing a preferred choice for swift, dependable substance detection.
Compliance & Peace of Mind for Employers in Antelope, SD
Adopting hair follicle drug testing helps Antelope employers maintain stringent drug-free workplace policies. This method not only complies with various regulatory standards but also reduces legal risks by preventing substance abuse issues before they impact the workplace environment. This focus on compliance ensures a secure and productive workplace environment.
