Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within its growing strand. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Harvesting hair is easy, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
An ideal sampling includes a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp, yielding 100mg for optimal screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes a drug test result through four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into the lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data entry that an electronic chain of custody might not cover.
Screening quickly assesses samples for drug misuse. While screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug presence in most samples, court-admissible results require a positive screen to undergo confirmation. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Presumptively positive samples from the Screening phase have additional hair extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analyses.
Confirmation of positive screenings is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Deadwood, SD: Hair follicle testing provides numerous advantages over urine tests. With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair tests offer unmatched reliability in showing historical drug use patterns. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in detection periods, hair testing provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use, making it the go-to choice for employers in Deadwood looking for thorough screening methods.
Extended Detection Window in Deadwood, SD: Hair follicle testing offers a unique advantage with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a broader understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history, allowing for well-informed decisions regarding employment. The prolonged detection period serves as a testament to the thoroughness of hair testing, providing valuable insights into past behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Deadwood, SD: One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its robustness against sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, where adulteration is a common concern, hair samples provide reliable and unquestionable results. This methodology significantly reduces the risk of deception, ensuring that the outcomes are reflective of the individual's genuine substance use, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Deadwood, SD: Our expansive network of testing centers ensures that hair follicle testing is accessible and straightforward for everyone involved. With numerous nationwide facilities and local centers in Deadwood, SD, individuals and companies can access reliable testing services without hassle. The convenience of these widespread locations simplifies the testing process, offering ease and efficiency for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Deadwood, SD: Hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and private, putting any concerns about confidentiality to rest. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process is streamlined to ensure ease of use and privacy. Clients can rest assured that their personal information and testing outcomes remain confidential, reinforcing trust and simplicity in the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Deadwood, SD: We offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes. Combined with quick turnaround times, our services provide exceptional value, ensuring companies receive high-quality testing without straining their budget. This combination of cost efficiency and speed delivers substantial peace of mind regarding employee and applicant evaluations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Deadwood, SD: Hair follicle drug testing offers impressive precision and quick turnaround times, proving to be highly accurate in identifying substance use. This testing method provides dependable results for a wide range of substances, ensuring employers and individuals receive accurate feedback promptly. With proficiency in detection, hair testing in Deadwood assures that substance abuse is effectively identified whenever it occurs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Deadwood, SD: Utilizing hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with workplace drug policies, minimizing legal liabilities and promoting a safer work environment. This rigorous testing method assures employers that they are adhering to best practices in maintaining a drug-free workplace, thereby enhancing organizational safety and productivity and providing peace of mind knowing employees are adhering to company guidelines.
