Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Belvidere, SD

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have grown to be acknowledged as an effective resource for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers in the strands of the developing hair. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tough to alter, and simple to transport.

A hair snippet of around 1.5 inches containing about 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the ideal sample for screening and validation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair could be collected. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair in this context. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning consists of initially processing a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary swift examination for illicit drug use. While it is a cost-efficient method to exempt drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legitimate in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening remains one of the hardest methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before the confirmation as necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can recognize drug consumption for nearly 90 days, versus urine tests which possess a more limited detection period.
• Difficult to deceive: It is exceedingly difficult to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Delivers historical context: It can illustrate a pattern of drug use across time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Outcome variations: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth could impact the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Belvidere, SD
Hair testing far surpasses traditional urine methods in detecting substance use. With a longer detection window and minimal chance for tampering, hair tests ensure superior reliability. They provide a more complete picture of one's drug history, making them ideal for stringent policy adherences in Belvidere.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Belvidere, SD
Hair follicle testing can reveal drug use extending up to 90 days, offering an unparalleled inspection period. This generous timeframe grants employers a detailed look at an individual’s substance usage history, ensuring thorough and informed assessments for both hires and current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Belvidere, SD
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of sample tampering. Their design protects the integrity of the results, offering businesses and legal systems in Belvidere greater confidence in test authenticity, serving as a safeguard against falsified outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Belvidere, SD
With a network of testing centers across the country, accessing reliable drug tests is straightforward for Belvidere residents. Our locations ensure quick, convenient, and seamless testing experiences, fostering ease for individuals and organizations alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Belvidere, SD
The process of ordering and receiving hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. In Belvidere, privacy concerns are effectively addressed, making it an accessible option for those valuing discretion and ease of handling.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Belvidere, SD
Competitive pricing, combined with swift result delivery, is central to our service. Our cost-efficient solutions ensure that businesses of all sizes in Belvidere gain both excellent value and peace of mind regarding their testing needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Belvidere, SD
Hair follicle drug tests offer speedy and precise detection of substance use. Their accuracy ensures that tests are trustworthy, providing both institutions and individuals in Belvidere an assurance of reliability. The method's precision captures the broader spectrum of drug consumption habits, streamlining decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Belvidere, SD
Employers can maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies with hair follicle tests. Minimized legal risks and enhanced workplace safety result from this foolproof method, granting employers peace of mind alongside adherence to compliance demands.

Drug Testing Near Belvidere, SD

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