Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record over time by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to an approximately 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is uncomplicated to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar portion of body hair is acceptable. When indicating head hair, this specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory procedure comprises four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is where the sample first enters the lab’s system. This step involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data recording not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary swift procedure for substance abuse detection. Although it is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a screening that shows positive results must be validated for legal acceptance. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening need an additional confirmation step.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which explains why hair drug testing poses more challenges.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the methodology primarily examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing excels over Urine Testing in Astoria, SD. Hair tests are known for their expansive detection timeframe, often revealing a 90-day usage history, which far surpasses urine tests. They provide enhanced accuracy and reliability, reducing false negatives and giving employers a clear assessment of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Astoria, SD offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. Hair follicle tests identify drug presence over a much longer period compared to other methods, significantly benefitting employers who wish to evaluate long-term habits.
This extended window enhances the ability to make informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Astoria, SD ensures genuine results. Hair tests are difficult to adulterate due to their collection method, diminishing chances of manipulation.
The reliability they offer is invaluable, particularly in sensitive environments requiring unquestionable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations including Local Areas in Astoria, SD ensure accessibility. Our centers are strategically located nationwide, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient testing procedure.
Fast and easy access to these services supports individuals and employers in maintaining necessary health standards.
Simple, Confidential Process in Astoria, SD assures ease and privacy. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined to guarantee confidentiality and user-friendliness.
The process addresses any privacy concerns, ensuring a smooth experience for all users involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Astoria, SD offer optimal value. Competitive pricing ensures cost-effectiveness, while quick results provide reassurance for all company sizes, balancing cost with quality and peace of mind.
Fast and Accurate Results in Astoria, SD make hair follicle tests a preferred choice. The precision and quick results of these tests provide reliable detection of substance use, enabling timely action.
These tests are known for their high accuracy, often superior to other testing methods, making them a trusted option in maintaining safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Astoria, SD comes with hair follicle testing. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, they reduce potential legal issues and foster a safer work environment. This testing method supports maintaining compliance with regulations, giving employers reassurance.
