Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Armour, SD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch length of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning represents the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This process ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening entails a preliminary check for drugs. While cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample tests tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening quite challenging.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially positive undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: It's very challenging to falsify a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Provides historical data: It offers a timeline of drug use over an extended period, unlike recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs typically require 5-7 days to be traceable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests usually incur higher costs compared to other drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Armour, SD? Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, catching drug use that might be missed by urine tests. While urine tests are adept at identifying recent drug consumption, hair testing's extended detection window and enhanced reliability offer a more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Armour, SD, is remarkable for its extensive detection window, measuring drug use up to 90 days before testing. This broad timeframe provides employers with unparalleled insights into the substance history of candidates or current employees, supporting informed, data-driven hiring and personnel decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle testing method used in Armour, SD, is significantly tamper-resistant, providing reassurance and trust in the results. By reducing the risk of sample adulteration, this method ensures reliable and unquestionable results for those utilizing it, maintaining the integrity of drug testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing locations across the nation and locally in Armour, SD, accessing drug testing services is seamless and convenient. These centers ensure quick, easy, and hassle-free testing, catering to the needs of individuals and organizations seeking reliable drug assessment services without travel concerns.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair testing process in Armour, SD, is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, procedure, and results are managed with privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about data protection. This simplicity and discretion make the drug testing experience not only secure but also user-friendly for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Armour, SD, promises competitive pricing and swift turnarounds. The affordable pricing structures and rapid results provide exceptional value, making it accessible for companies of all sizes. This ensures peace of mind when conducting drug tests while staying budget-conscious.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Armour, SD, offers rapid and precise results. The high level of accuracy ensures reliable detection of substance use, providing confidence in the integrity of the testing outcomes. This method is known for its efficiency, allowing individuals and organizations to receive detailed drug use analysis quickly and dependably.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Armour, SD, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method bolsters adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities. By emphasizing safety and reliability, hair testing plays a pivotal role in fostering a secure and compliant work environment.

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