Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Hair collected near the scalp can provide a detection period for alcohol and drugs of nearly three months. It is easy to collect, challenging to alter dishonestly, and straightforward to deliver.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used as an alternative. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair. All other hair (facial, axillary, etc.) is classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The process of analyzing a drug test result in a laboratory comprises four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step of initiating the sample's entry into the laboratory system. This step involves verifying the sample's secured packaging and shipping, providing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any requisite data entries not addressed by electronic chain of custody applications.
Screening serves as an expeditious examination for potential drug abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for evaluating the majority of samples, any positive findings necessitate confirmation for legal validity. Samples showing presumptive positives during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the sample for Preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are drawn out of the hair at notably reduced concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening processes.
Confirmation for any positive screening findings uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples presumed positive are cleansed as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is governed by CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited under ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
In Athol, SD, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in several critical ways. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, effectively identifying substance use even when urine tests might fail. The longer detection window ensures a more comprehensive screening, making hair tests the preferred choice.
Employers find the hair testing method more insightful due to its increased detection time, allowing them a full perspective on an individual's substance history. This is especially beneficial in upholding company policies, reducing workplace-related drug issues extensively.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Athol, SD, offers unparalleled insight into past substance use. Able to trace back up to 90 days, this testing method provides employers with a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance history, surpassing the limited scope of urine tests.
Such comprehensive detection is invaluable for organizations seeking thorough evaluations. The ability to reach far back into a person's drug history ensures no recent substance misuse goes unnoticed, supporting informed decisions regarding employment or ongoing assessments.
Hair follicle testing in Athol, SD, is a robust method for eliminating sample tampering risks. Unlike urine samples, hair tests are significantly more challenging to adulterate, ensuring integrity and accuracy in the results obtained, thus providing credible evidence for employers.
This testing method is preferred for its reliability in avoiding manipulation. The ability to conduct observed collections further diminishes the possibility of contamination or substitution, assuring unquestionable results and bolstering the trust in testing outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive coverage across Athol, SD, and nationwide, ensuring easy access to hair follicle testing services. Our local and national testing centers provide convenience, allowing for quick and hassle-free encounters with drug screening processes.
These widespread locations enable straightforward logistics for both employees and employers, facilitating seamless integration of testing into routine operations. Accessibility is a key advantage, offering clients a stress-free testing experience.
In Athol, SD, the process of ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is both simple and discreet. This ensures privacy and ease for all participants, addressing any concerns surrounding confidentiality in testing procedures.
Our streamlined process means that clients can enjoy a smooth journey from start to finish. This confidentiality guarantees peace of mind, assuring participants that their privacy is respected throughout, fostering trust in our testing services.
Affordability and swift results define our hair follicle testing services in Athol, SD. Competitive pricing structures make testing accessible for companies of any size, offering excellent value alongside guaranteed peace of mind concerning drug-free policy adherence.
The prompt turnaround times ensure minimal wait, facilitating time-efficient decision-making for employers. Cost-effectiveness combined with rapid service helps in maintaining productive workforce management without financial strain.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle tests are unparalleled in Athol, SD. These tests precisely identify substance use, providing trustworthy results swiftly. Their high sensitivity ensures substance detection is both accurate and reliable, reducing instances of false negatives and affirming their role in robust drug screening.
In delivering fast and accurate results, hair tests exemplify efficiency. They're designed to provide conclusive evidence of substance use, thereby facilitating swift decision-making for employers prioritizing safety and policy compliance. This high accuracy aids in establishing transparency in occupational settings.
Hair follicle testing provides peace of mind for employers in Athol, SD, by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, contributing to a stable and secure working environment free of substance abuse.
Using hair tests, employers can confidently comply with legal and policy obligations, maintaining a drug-free workspace. Peace of mind stems from knowing that employees are subject to a rigorous test, enhancing overall organizational integrity and regulatory compliance.
