Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, a hair sample can provide a detection period for up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is easy, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
To obtain the optimal 100mg sample for testing, a 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp is needed. For EtG screenings, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to obtain 150mg of the specimen. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measuring is suggested. In cases where scalp hair isn't an option, the equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (including facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process is primarily divided into four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is concerned with incorporating the sample into the lab's management system. This phase involves confirming that the sample's seal and shipment are intact, granting it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data not captured electronically through a chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug presence. It’s a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug usage for most samples. However, to be valid in a legal setting, any positive result at this stage must undergo confirmation. Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further validation.
For those samples that show positive signs in the Screening stage, additional hair from the initial collection is prepared for Extraction. This step involves removing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than when using different testing methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive initially are cleansed before final confirmation if needed. The overall laboratory process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Bridgewater, SD, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are notable. Hair analysis offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, providing a comprehensive overview that urine tests cannot match. These tests are particularly beneficial for employers and organizations that prioritize maintaining a drug-free workplace, thanks to their extensive detection period and robust integrity in the testing process.
Extended Detection Window
In Bridgewater, SD, hair follicle testing excels with its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged timeframe—up to 90 days. This capability offers employers a detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, surpassing the shorter detection times of conventional methods. Such a comprehensive overview aids organizations in making informed decisions regarding employment and compliance with company policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Bridgewater, SD relies on hair follicle testing for its robust resistance to sample tampering. The method minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring that results are trustworthy and definitive. This reliability offers peace of mind to employers, knowing that the probability of cheating is significantly reduced and that their personnel decisions are based on credible data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Bridgewater, SD and beyond offer widespread access to testing services, thanks to numerous nationwide centers. This ensures that hair follicle drug testing is accessible, efficient, and hassle-free. Our network of facilities guarantees that individuals and organizations can effortlessly utilize our testing services, promoting convenience and ease in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Simple, Confidential Process
The hair follicle testing process in Bridgewater, SD is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test, and receiving the results, the procedure is conducted with privacy and simplicity in mind. This approach addresses privacy concerns, making it user-friendly and secure for both individuals and employers.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Bridgewater, SD, hair follicle drug testing is both cost-effective and quick. Our competitive pricing structure and rapid result turnaround times provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Companies can thus enjoy peace of mind, knowing they invest in reliable testing methods that do not compromise on speed or quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Bridgewater, SD, experience the unparalleled precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing. The method's outstanding accuracy in identifying substance use sets it apart from more traditional approaches. With cutting-edge technology, hair tests ensure that results are both rapid and exceptionally reliable, providing peace of mind for organizations striving to maintain a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Using hair follicle testing in Bridgewater, SD enhances employers' ability to enforce workplace drug-free policies efficiently. This method reduces potential legal liabilities and fortifies workplace safety standards. By ensuring adherence to regulations, companies experience a decrease in associated risks, supporting a safe and productive working environment.
