Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It provides a prolonged record of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer detection of alcohol and other substances for up to about three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) cut closely to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional analyses, or tests involving more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is recommended. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all non-scalp hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial entry into a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most cases, any positive results must be validated to be legally admissible. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening notably complex.
Positive Screening results are validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why do hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine testing in Harrington, SD? These tests offer unparalleled accuracy and reliability.
Hair follicle testing extends the detection period for drug use, capturing a 90-day history. This powerful tool offers employers in Harrington, SD, a broader understanding of an individual's substance use.
The comprehensive window aids in assessing both current and past behaviors, giving a detailed view of substance use patterns.
In Harrington, SD, hair follicle testing stands as a tamper-proof method, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. Its design ensures reliable and undeniable results.
The observed collection process significantly lowers the chances of interference, making it a trusted choice for secure testing.
Convenience is key with our range of nationwide testing centers, including in Harrington, SD. Accessing these services is hassle-free and efficient, ensuring quick and easy testing.
Our extensive network guarantees that your testing needs are met promptly, wherever you are located.
The process for hair follicle testing in Harrington, SD is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined, ensuring privacy at every stage.
This approach addresses any concerns over confidentiality, making it an accessible and straightforward option for everyone.
In Harrington, SD, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround time for hair follicle tests provide value for businesses of all sizes.
In Harrington, SD, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests ensure top-notch results. With their precise detection capabilities, these tests reliably identify substance use, offering fast and trustworthy outcomes.
Employers and individuals benefit from quick testing processes and accurate results, making hair follicle testing an exceptional choice.
Employers in Harrington, SD, gain peace of mind using hair follicle tests, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies.