Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and substances. Hair is easy to collect, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal hair sample consists of a 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair perfect for testing and verifying. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or screenings over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' pertains specifically to scalp hair. 'Body hair' includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug testing entails four critical phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step involves verifying the seal and proper shipment of the sample, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid drug use check. Although it is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive outcome in Screening necessitates confirmation for court acceptance. Samples presumed positive during Screening undergo secondary verification.
In the event of a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the toughest methodologies to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive are washed as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In the debate between hair follicle and urine tests, hair testing offers several advantages for Fruitdale, SD residents. It provides superior detection accuracy and reliability.
While urine tests can evaluate recent drug use, hair tests unveil longer drug histories. They cater to employers needing a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance use, ensuring workplace safety and due diligence.
One of the main benefits of hair follicle testing in Fruitdale, SD is its extended detection window. Hair tests can reveal drug use over a period of up to 90 days, making it an ideal choice for employers wishing for a thorough review.
This extended window helps organizations in understanding not just a one-time use, but potential patterns of substance use in candidates or employees. Employers gain deeper insights into an individual’s adherence to drug policies over time.
In Fruitdale, SD, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests is a key advantage. Unlike other methods, it's hard to alter or tamper with a hair sample, ensuring authenticity.
This reliable testing method delivers trustworthy results, minimizing doubts and providing peace of mind to employers who require accurate and unquestionable substance use information.
The convenience of nationwide testing centers, including those in Fruitdale, SD, provides easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services.
With testing locations scattered nationwide, clients can expect swift service with minimal inconvenience, making the process straightforward for individuals and organizations alike.
The process of hair follicle drug testing in Fruitdale, SD is both simple and confidential. Ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results is designed to protect privacy at every step.
Clients appreciate the ease of use and relaxed process, knowing their information remains private. This transparency in operation eliminates concerns, focusing on straightforward, private interactions.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing for hair follicle tests in Fruitdale, SD. Coupled with quick turnaround times, the solution provides excellent value for every organization.
Our competitive rates ensure that companies of all sizes receive top-notch service without breaking the budget. Timely test results offer peace of mind and allow businesses to proceed smoothly with operative planning.
Hair follicle drug testing in Fruitdale, SD boasts unparalleled speed and precision. Its high accuracy ensures that even small amounts of substances are detected. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing provides rapid results, allowing organizations to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.
The reliability of hair testing means businesses can trust the results without second guessing. This high accuracy is especially crucial for safety-sensitive industries, where timely and correct information is a priority.
Employers in Fruitdale, SD benefit greatly from using hair follicle tests, as they ensure compliance with drug-free policies.
These tests reduce legal risks and foster a safer work environment. By adhering to stringent drug policies, organizations can mitigate potential liabilities and focus on building a productive workforce.
