Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained prominence as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. A sample taken near the scalp can extend the detection period for alcohol and drugs up to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A strand sample measuring 1.5 inches from the scalp with around 200 hairs (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) yields 100mg, the optimal amount for both initial and confirmatory assessments. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, or beyond 10-panel screens, 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent sample of body hair can be taken. When we mention head hair, we exclusively mean the hair from the scalp. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The process of lab analysis for drug testing consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is where a specimen is first integrated into the lab system, involving tasks like ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substance use. As a cost-efficient strategy, it helps eliminate many drug-negative samples, though confirmations are required for legal validity. Samples showing preliminary positive results in Screening undergo further confirmation testing.
Further hair is extracted from the specimen if it tests presumptively positive in Screening, and the extraction phase begins. This step involves retrieving drugs from hair in lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or saliva tests, rendering hair testing more intricate.
Confirmation testing for any preliminary positive result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples initially testing positive are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the method examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Trumps Urine Tests in Bonesteel, SD is largely due to its superior detection abilities. Hair testing offers a broader detection window and is less invasive, making it the preferred choice for many organizations.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Bonesteel, SD is a distinct advantage. Where urine tests fall short, hair testing extends up to a 90-day period, highlighting historical substance use trends.
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle tests in Bonesteel, SD is their tamper-resistant nature. When compared to traditional methods, the risk of sample adulteration is drastically minimized.
With convenient testing locations in and around Bonesteel, SD, access to hair follicle drug testing services has never been simpler.
In Bonesteel, SD, our process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns seriously.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround set our services apart in Bonesteel, SD. Our competitive pricing doesn’t compromise on quality or speed.
In Bonesteel, SD, the hair follicle drug test stands out for its precision and swiftness. Accurate results are delivered in a relatively short timeframe, ensuring that substance use is correctly identified. The efficiency of this testing method provides employers with dependable results they can count on.
With the quick turnaround of hair follicle tests, decision-making processes are streamlined and reliable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bonesteel, SD is enhanced through hair testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing liabilities and bolstering safety.