Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is considered an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It captures a lengthy history of substance use, storing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken nearest to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a period of roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. To test for EtG, additional substances, and/or to exceed 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system, including verifying the sample’s integrity upon receipt, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. It efficiently rules out drug usage in most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally viable. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of preliminary positive results is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo cleaning before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine testing in Carthage, SD. Enhanced reliability is a primary benefit, as hair analysis provides a clearer picture of substance use over time. The accuracy of hair testing makes it a superior choice for detecting illicit substances.
Detection accuracy is markedly superior in hair follicle testing, offering a much clearer timeline of substance use compared to urine tests. This makes it the preferred choice for employers in Carthage seeking reliable screening methods.
The value of hair follicle testing in Carthage, SD lies in its extended detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers to gain a thorough understanding of an employee’s or applicant's substance use history.
With the ability to detect drug use over prolonged periods, hair testing in Carthage offers a comprehensive view of substance history, far surpassing the limited detection timeframe of traditional testing.
Hair follicle testing in Carthage, SD significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering. This method offers a tamper-resistant approach, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results.
The integrity of hair testing lies in its resistance to adulteration, providing reliable results that remain free from manipulation, thus being preferred by cautious entities.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Carthage, SD, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward. These centers offer hassle-free testing experiences with ease and efficiency.
Our testing centers provide quick and easy access to services, while locations in and around Carthage ensure a streamlined process for obtaining necessary drug testing services.
The procedure for hair follicle testing in Carthage, SD is simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results is a straightforward process, safeguarding privacy and ease of use.
Your privacy concerns are addressed through a confidential process, ensuring a simple approach for obtaining and receiving test results in Carthage.
In Carthage, SD, hair follicle testing is both affordable and efficient. Competitive pricing structures make it an attractive option for companies of all sizes looking for value and fast turnaround.
Experience affordable pricing and quick results, reinforcing the valuable services offered that provide peace of mind for businesses in Carthage seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
For fast, accurate, and reliable results in Carthage, SD, hair follicle drug testing is an excellent choice. With a high level of precision, these tests ensure that substance use is detected effectively.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle tests offer individuals and employers confidence in their results, providing assurance through precise substance detection methods used in Carthage.
For compliance and peace of mind, hair follicle testing in Carthage, SD is invaluable. This testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks.
By utilizing hair follicle tests, employers in Carthage can enhance workplace safety and ensure compliance with drug-free policies, gaining peace of mind in their operational environment.