Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. If gathered near the scalp, hair can offer around a three-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively challenging to alter, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels beyond ten, collecting 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes necessary data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in many samples, a positive result in Screening must undergo Confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples with a presumptive positive outcome in Screening require additional Confirmation.
For samples indicated as presumptive positives in Screening, further hairs are taken from the initial sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
For Confirmation, any positive results from Screening are validated using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," these tests actually assess the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Comparing hair follicle tests with urine tests in Garden City, SD, highlights significant benefits. Hair tests surpass urine tests by offering a broader detection window and more reliable results that are difficult to manipulate.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing is a major advantage. It captures drug use history extending up to 90 days, while urine tests only detect recent usage, making hair testing a superior choice for continuous substance history assessment.
Hair follicle testing in Garden City, SD, provides companies with an extensive detection period of up to 90 days. This advantage is critical as it offers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history over time.
Employers benefit greatly, gaining insights into an applicant's or employee’s drug use history. This longer detection period supports informed decision-making and promotes a safer work environment.
In Garden City, SD, hair follicle testing stands out with its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. This ensures that test results are reliable and authentic.
By minimizing the chances of fraudulent activity, hair tests offer peace of mind. Employers receive dependable results that can be trusted to accurately reflect substance use patterns, enhancing workplace integrity.
With a network of nationwide locations, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience in Garden City, SD. Accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free, ensuring seamless processes for all clients.
Local availability means clients in Garden City can benefit from convenient testing, supported by our extensive network that makes the entire process efficient and straightforward.
The process of hair follicle testing in Garden City, SD, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are streamlined for efficiency and privacy.
Clients can rest assured that their personal information is handled with care. The straightforward approach ensures that the experience is hassle-free and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
In Garden City, SD, our hair follicle testing services stand out for competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. These elements provide excellent value and peace of mind for businesses.
With a focus on affordability without compromising quality, companies of all sizes can benefit from our testing services, enjoying both cost-effective solutions and timely outcomes.
In Garden City, SD, hair follicle drug testing is celebrated for its swift, precise results. This method offers unparalleled accuracy, swiftly detecting substance use with consistency. Employers and organizations gain reliable insights into substance habits, without delay.
With hair tests, the detection process is efficient, ensuring that results are both fast and accurate. This makes it an ideal choice for any situation requiring dependable drug screening outcomes.
Employers in Garden City, SD, find hair follicle testing crucial for maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks while enhancing workplace safety.
By using hair testing, organizations ensure they adhere to required standards, which contributes to a safer working environment and peace of mind for all involved parties.