Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair acts as a comprehensive record for substances by incorporating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over about a 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, minimally susceptible to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides roughly 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a specimen into a lab’s system. This process ensures the specimen was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial cursory test for controlled substances. Although Screening efficiently determines the absence of drugs in most specimens, confirmed positives are needed for legal acceptability. Samples that test positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Upon obtaining a positive result at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this process, substances are removed from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug analysis one of the most complex methods.
Confirmation for any positive result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The lab activities from Accessioning to Confirmation are assessed following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used; however, the analysis focuses on the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Elkton, SD, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine analysis by providing a more reliable detection method. The accuracy of hair testing stands out, offering a better indication of drug use over time. Unlike urine tests, which may have a shorter detection window, hair tests provide comprehensive results, offering increased dependability.
With the ability to identify substance use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Elkton, SD, offers a significant advantage over shorter-term detection methods. This extended window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history, providing insights that help in making informed decisions regarding employment.
Hair follicle testing in Elkton, SD, is notably tamper-resistant, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This method offers results that are both reliable and indisputable, giving employers confidence that the outcomes reflect accurate substance use patterns without the concern of manipulated samples.
With testing centers available nationwide, including in Elkton, SD, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is convenient and straightforward. The broad network ensures that individuals and employers can quickly and easily reach a testing location, offering hassle-free service with minimal delays.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Elkton, SD, is simple and confidential from start to finish. Clients benefit from straightforward procedures for ordering and taking tests, alongside secure communication of results, maintaining privacy and ease of use throughout.
Hair follicle drug testing in Elkton, SD, combines competitive pricing with fast turnaround times, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. By providing cost-effective solutions with prompt result delivery, companies can confidently manage their drug testing needs without financial strain.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Elkton, SD, have set them apart as a top choice for accurate drug detection. These tests not only identify substance use with high reliability but also ensure that results are delivered rapidly, making them a preferred solution for employers looking for quick and accurate assessments.
Employers in Elkton, SD, find peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing, which supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Ensuring adherence to these standards minimizes legal risks and enhances the safety and productivity of the work environment.
