Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, it is somewhat resistant to tampering, and it is easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hairs (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, supplies 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. When talking about head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that the electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
Screening is an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, any positive screen result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Edgemont, SD, hair follicle testing shines in comparison to traditional urine tests due to its impressive detection capabilities and unmatched reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can unveil a longer history of substance use, making it ideal for employers dedicated to maintaining a drug-free environment. Its comprehensive detection window and accurate results make it a superior choice for monitoring employee substance use.
One major advantage of hair follicle testing in Edgemont, SD, is its extended detection window, which can trace drug use up to 90 days. This elongated period grants employers valuable insights into an employee or applicant's substance usage history, allowing for a more informed evaluation. Such comprehensive coverage surpasses the limited timeframe provided by alternative testing methods.
Hair follicle tests in Edgemont, SD, distinguish themselves through their resilience against tampering. This method drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the delivery of reliable results that stand unquestioned. Unlike other tests, hair sampling is less susceptible to manipulation, offering a trustworthy option for drug testing with guaranteed integrity.
With convenient nationwide testing locations and local centers in Edgemont, SD, Accredited Drug Testing assures quick and seamless access to testing services. Our nationwide presence removes the hassle from the testing process, allowing individuals and organizations easy entry to drug and alcohol testing services without unnecessary delays or complexities.
The entire process at our Edgemont, SD locations is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease from ordering to testing and receiving results. The focus on confidentiality reassures individuals who are concerned about privacy, while the straightforward process ensures minimal disruption, thus enhancing the willingness to undergo testing.
Accredited Drug Testing in Edgemont, SD, guarantees affordable pricing and swift turnaround times, making it an appealing option for businesses of varying sizes. Our competitive pricing structures offer substantial value, while the fast delivery of results contributes to effective decision-making, maintaining peace of mind for company management.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Edgemont, SD, lies in their ability to deliver fast and precise results. With their high level of accuracy, these tests can detect substance use with remarkable speed and reliability, providing quick answers for employers and individuals alike. This rapid result turnaround helps in making informed decisions without the long wait associated with other testing methods.
Employers in Edgemont, SD, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it aligns seamlessly with workplace drug-free policies. This method mitigates legal risks and bolsters workplace safety by providing a dependable measure against illicit substance use. Compliance with such practices reinforces a secure, productive, and healthy work environment for all.
