Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Gregory, SD

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have emerged as an effective approach for the identification of alcohol and drug use. Hair captures a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by encasing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For tests exceeding 10 panels, EtG, or additional tests, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If there is no scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it is specific to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result is comprised of four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves entering a sample into a lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and records additional data not included in an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations compared to methodologies like urine or oral fluids, making hair screening the most complex method to conduct.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used for confirming any positive Screening result. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection period: Hair tests detect drug use for up to 90 days, while urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: Hair tests are difficult to manipulate, resulting in more accurate outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: Provides a timeline of drug use over time, not limited to recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair tests are generally pricier compared to other drug testing approaches.
• Result discrepancies: Variables like hair color and differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug residues.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gregory, SD

The benefits of hair testing over urine tests are significant, particularly in terms of detection accuracy and consistency. Hair tests can detect substance use long after urine tests cease to be effective, offering a more reliable overview of an individual's drug history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Gregory, SD

Hair follicle testing extends the detection period of drug use up to 90 days. This allows employers a more complete picture of an applicant or employee's history with substances, promoting better-informed hiring and supervisory decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gregory, SD

The risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized with hair follicle tests. Their innate tamper-resistant nature provides reliable and unquestionable results, ensuring trust in the results obtained.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gregory, SD

Our nationwide network of testing centers simplifies access to services, providing fast, easy, and hassle-free procedures. This convenience assures that testing is efficient and accessible for everyone needing screening services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Gregory, SD

The ordering, testing, and results process is direct and respectful of privacy. Clients can rest easy knowing they will have a confidential and user-friendly experience from start to finish, dispelling concerns about complex procedures.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gregory, SD

With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing offers excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from this efficient service, which emphasizes cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality or peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gregory, SD

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing make it a standout choice. It offers high accuracy in identifying substance use. Its ability to provide reliable results promptly ensures that both individuals and businesses can trust the outcomes for making informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gregory, SD

Employing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and boosting workplace safety. Companies can operate with a greater sense of security and compliance knowing they're using a trusted testing method.

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