Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected from near the scalp, hair can exhibit a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will gather 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, the recommendation is 150mg of the specimen. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core stages in laboratory processing of a drug test involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial sample processing into a laboratory's system. This step verifies the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is economically efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Frederick, SD: Hair testing is superior to urine tests due to its increased detection range, accuracy, and resistance to manipulation.
Employers in Frederick, SD favor hair tests for their ability to uncover drug use over extended periods, making them more reliable than urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Frederick, SD: Hair follicle tests can detect drug use extending over a period of up to 90 days, offering a broader view into an individual's substance history.
Employers in Frederick, SD find this extensive window valuable in assessing longer-term substance involvement, providing a comprehensive profile.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Frederick, SD: Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the potential for sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy results that cannot be questioned.
In Frederick, SD, this method is favored for its robustness against adulteration, offering peace of mind with every test conducted.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Frederick, SD: Our expansive network of testing facilities ensures that residents of Frederick, SD can access our services with ease and convenience.
The abundance of centers ensures swift and uncomplicated testing accessibility, removing any location-related obstacles.
Simple, Confidential Process in Frederick, SD: Carrying out a hair follicle test is straightforward, preserving privacy from ordering to receiving results.
In Frederick, SD, individuals appreciate the seamless, discreet nature of the process, providing assurance throughout each step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Frederick, SD: Our competitive pricing and rapid result turnover are crafted to deliver unmatched value for businesses and individuals.
In Frederick, SD, clients benefit from cost-effective solutions coupled with speed, enhancing the overall experience for all involved.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Frederick, SD: Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise detection of substance use. Their high accuracy ensures reliable results every time.
In Frederick, SD, individuals looking for fast results turn to hair follicle testing for its consistent accuracy and quick processing time, making it a preferred choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Frederick, SD: Implementing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal concerns and promoting a safer work environment.
Employers across Frederick, SD choose hair testing for its reliability in compliance and reducing workplace hazards.