What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an essential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a long-term record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol consumption up to roughly 90 days prior. Hair is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length and containing around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, optimal for testing and verification. For EtG extensions and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jewelerâ€™s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be missing, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core stages in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This process covers confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical means of ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified for legal admissibility. Any sample that appears positive in Screening necessitates a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set aside for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at comparatively lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging approach.

Verification of any positive Screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before verification as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directives and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can uncover substance use for as many as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests that have a more limited detection period.
Difficult to circumvent: Hair drug tests are especially hard to manipulate, enhancing their reliability.
Offers historical insight: These tests can illustrate a timeline of drug use, rather than merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

Incapable of identifying recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to show up in hair samples.
Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier compared to alternative drug testing techniques.
Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal variations in growth rates can impact the drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Superior Detection
In Glencross, SD, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests with its superior detection capability. These tests provide a broader window into drug use history, offering unmatched accuracy. While urine tests are limited to recent drug use, hair testing reveals a more comprehensive look at an individual's long-term habits.

Enhanced Accuracy
Employers and professionals benefit from the heightened accuracy of hair testing. Unlike urine tests, which can be altered or faked, hair analyses are secure and provide reliable data, reducing risks associated with false negatives.

Extended Detection Window

90-Day Detection Window
Employers in Glencross, SD, gain access to a more extended detection window with hair follicle testing. By offering insights into drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests provide an extensive view of an applicant or employee's substance use history.

Comprehensive Substance History
Hair tests' extended timeline aids employers by giving a comprehensive picture of substance use, which urine tests cannot match. This makes them invaluable for long-term risk assessment in hiring or ongoing employment evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Resistant to Tampering
Hair follicle tests largely eliminate the chances of sample adulteration, common with urine tests. In Glencross, SD, their tamper-resistant nature ensures the obtained results are genuine and trustworthy, offering a reliable testament to one's substance use.

Unquestionable Results
Employers and legal entities benefit from hair testing's integrity. The reduced risk of tampering ensures the tests provide unquestionable and transparent results, crucial for upholding strict anti-drug policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Nationwide Availability
With Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network, finding a testing location is effortless even in Glencross, SD. This accessibility allows for quick, convenient, and stress-free access to essential testing services, no matter where you are.

Local Convenience
Our local presence in Glencross ensures that drug testing services are just around the corner. Enjoy the convenience of having a nearby facility, making it easier to schedule and complete your testing requirements without hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

Seamless Process
In Glencross, SD, ordering, completing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests are straightforward and discreet. The process respects privacy while ensuring user-friendly engagement throughout.

Confidential and Easy
Our emphasis on confidentiality means you can rest easy knowing your testing experience is protected and simple. This commitment to privacy and ease is vital for clients seeking unintrusive yet thorough testing solutions.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive Pricing
In Glencross, SD, Accredited Drug Testing offers hair follicle tests at prices designed to provide value without compromising quality. Our affordable rates make it feasible for businesses of all sizes to implement these reliable testing methods.

Quick Turnaround
Our efficient processes ensure that you get fast results, alleviating delays and helping you act promptly. The combination of excellent pricing and rapid service makes us a top choice for businesses valuing efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Speed and Precision
In Glencross, SD, hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and dependable results. The precision in detecting substance use ensures that these tests stand out for their accuracy. Whether for court orders or employment screenings, these tests deliver quick insights into a person's drug history with unparalleled speed.

Unmatched Reliability
Choosing a hair follicle test guarantees high-accuracy outcomes that help in critical decisions. Thanks to their design, these tests provide reliable data that surpass many other testing strategies available today in Glencross.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance Assurance
Using hair follicle testing in Glencross, SD ensures employer compliance with no-drug policies. By mitigating legal risks associated with substance use, these tests promote a safer and more productive workplace environment.

Employer Peace of Mind
Knowing that your company's policies are enforced accurately brings peace of mind. Hair tests' reliability supports the seamless enactment of workplace safety initiatives, helping to maintain both security and company standards.