Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can reflect a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an ideal quantity for both screening and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample of the hair is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. References to head hair imply only scalp hair. Body hair includes any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initial sample processing within a lab’s system which includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any other data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might miss.
Screening is a preliminary and swift inspection for substances of abuse. It offers an economical method to eliminate drug usage from most samples, but a positive screening calls for confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptively positive samples from Screening must undergo a further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positives in Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial amount for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair under lower concentration than other typical methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair analysis a challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process spanning Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand instead of the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Baltic, SD
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing in Baltic, SD. Its superior detection capabilities and reliability make it the test of choice for many employers.
Extended Detection Window in Baltic, SD
The hair follicle test's extended detection window of up to 90 days allows employers in Baltic, SD to gain insights into an individual's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Baltic, SD
Hair follicle drug testing drastically minimizes the chances of sample tampering in Baltic, SD. This method ensures that results are both trustworthy and indisputable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Baltic, SD
Our broad network of testing locations across the country, including Baltic, SD, makes drug testing accessible and effort-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Baltic, SD
In Baltic, SD, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, preserving privacy while delivering efficient service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Baltic, SD
We deliver great value with competitive pricing and prompt turnaround, making hair follicle tests affordable for businesses of all sizes in Baltic, SD.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Baltic, SD
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise outcomes in Baltic, SD. Known for their high accuracy, these tests make it easier to detect substance use effectively. They are preferred by those seeking reliable drug testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Baltic, SD
In Baltic, SD, hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free norms, minimizing legal issues and enhancing safety.
