Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considered a robust method, hair testing serves to detect drug and alcohol usage effectively. The strands of hair, by capturing biomarkers within their fibers, give a long-term insight into alcohol and other drug use. Hair taken close to the scalp can reveal a detection timeframe of nearly three months for these substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send off.
For screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp will yield approximately 100mg of hair, an optimal sample size. In cases of EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. Should scalp hair be unavailable, equivalent body hair may be collected. When we mention head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Alternatively, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in laboratory processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the first-step processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial swift exam to detect drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use across most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated to be permissible in court. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are drawn out from hair at a concentration lower than seen in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus marking hair drug screening as the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumingly positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Clark, SD, the benefits become evident. Hair testing offers superior detection capabilities, capturing a wide range of substances over an extended period. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analyses are less susceptible to tampering, offering dependable results.
In Clark, SD, hair follicle tests offer an extensive detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, ensuring informed decisions in hiring or ongoing employment situations.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Clark, SD significantly reduces the chance of sample manipulation. By eliminating avenues for adulteration, these tests guarantee results that are both reliable and credible, enhancing trust in the procedure.
With testing facilities spread nationwide, including local centers in Clark, SD, accessing hair follicle testing is simple and convenient. Our widespread network ensures easy availability, allowing individuals and employers to swiftly engage in testing procedures.
In Clark, SD, the hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and confidential. From order placement to sample collection and results delivery, every step is designed to ensure privacy and simplicity, addressing any client concerns regarding ease of use.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Clark, SD a cost-effective choice. We strive to deliver excellent service and value, accommodating businesses of all sizes and ensuring timely and dependable results.
Hair follicle testing in Clark, SD stands out for its precision and rapidity. The method ensures swift and accurate detection of substance use, providing crucial insights for employers. With hair testing, results are both thorough and quick, reflecting our commitment to quality and excellence.
For employers in Clark, SD, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance not only mitigates legal risks but also contributes to a safer working environment, fostering peace of mind for both employers and their workforce.
