Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can extend a detection window for alcohol and drugs to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for an initial and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests covering more than 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We propose using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. When referencing head hair, it denotes scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning means entering a sample initially into a laboratory’s system. This step verifies appropriate sample sealing and shipping, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishes any extra data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary glance for drugs of abuse. Though a cost-efficient tactic to rule out drug consumption across most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for court acceptability. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation phase.
In instances of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This stage entails extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration relative to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most intricate methodology to undertake.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although customarily known as "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dante, SD
In the debate between hair and urine tests, hair follicle assessments offer unmatched accuracy. Their robust detection ability significantly outperforms urine tests, making them a preferred choice for agencies with stringent requirements.
Extended Detection Window in Dante, SD
Employers in Dante benefit from hair testing's ability to reveal drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended window offers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance usage history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dante, SD
Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, making them a reliable choice in Dante. Their design limits the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dante, SD
Simple, Confidential Process in Dante, SD
The hair testing procedure in Dante is straightforward and discreet, prioritizing user privacy and simplifying the steps from ordering to receiving results, addressing confidentiality concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dante, SD
We offer competitive rates and swift processing times in Dante, ensuring cost-effective solutions that cater to businesses of any size without sacrificing quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dante, SD
Hair follicle tests in Dante, SD, stand out for their precision and quick turnover, ensuring accurate substance detection. They provide a dependable method for identifying drug use, which is crucial for maintaining integrity in any testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dante, SD
Hair follicle testing helps employers in Dante adhere to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal issues and enhancing safety. This compliance offers peace of mind with its rigorous standards.