Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a long-term record by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair's fiber. Collected close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug or alcohol use for up to around 3 months. It's easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
To obtain an optimal sample for testing, a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp is needed, equating to 100mg of hair. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Employing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If head hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized, but when mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The drug testing results are processed in four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning means initially incorporating a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment were intact, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry that's not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary examination for drugs. While Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use for most samples, only with confirmation can a positive screening stand in court. Hence, suspected positives require further confirmation.
When a sample tests potential positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at lesser concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most intricate to execute.
Verification of positive screening results is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with suspected positives go through a wash before confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle in the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine testing in Hartford, SD? The benefits of hair testing clearly outshine traditional urine tests. With hair testing, detection of drugs or alcohol is more accurate and expansive, offering a broader range of detection. The reliability of results is bolstered by the longer detection period, making it indispensable for employers who demand precise screening.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a superior method for identifying various substances. Its improved detection accuracy ensures comprehensive insights into an individual's substance history. Moreover, the less invasive and difficult-to-tamper nature of hair follicle testing makes it a more effective choice than the conventional urine test.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window in Hartford, SD, uncovering drug use for up to 90 days. This long detection period grants employers a clear and detailed view of an employee's or candidate's substance habits, assisting in informed decision-making. By providing a comprehensive overview of substance history, hair tests ensure thorough evaluations.
Offering insights that extend far beyond the limitations of other testing methods, hair follicle testing captures a comprehensive timeline of drug usage. The prolonged detection window helps employers assess long-term patterns in substance use, proving invaluable in maintaining a safe and conscientious work environment.
In Hartford, SD, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests is a critical advantage. By substantially reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests provide reliable and indisputable results. Employers and testing facilities can trust the outcomes, confident in the integrity and honesty of the sample collection process, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
The secure and observed collection process inherent in hair follicle testing significantly diminishes any possibility of evasion or tampering attempts. This reliability ensures that the results are credible, making it an essential tool for employers needing uncompromised evidence of substance abuse.
Accredited Drug Testing offers exceptional convenience with our nationwide and local testing centers, including Hartford, SD. This widespread coverage ensures that clients can access testing services easily and without hassle, whether for workplace or personal needs. Our strategic locations allow for expedient testing processes, saving time and reducing the stress associated with drug testing.
The streamlined operations at our centers guarantee quick and straightforward service. With numerous testing locations across the nation, including at the local level, we ensure that scheduling a test is effortless, providing a stress-free experience for individuals and organizations alike.
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle testing in Hartford, SD, is straightforward and confidential. Clients can rely on a simple procedure that respects their privacy, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Our transparent method underscores our commitment to maintaining confidentiality throughout the testing process.
Adeptly balancing convenience with privacy, our testing procedure is designed to be hassle-free. Clients can anticipate clear communication and precise instructions, with every step crafted to prioritize confidentiality and ease of use. This ensures a stress-free testing experience for all parties involved.
Accredited Drug Testing proudly offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Hartford, SD. Our competitive pricing structures make it feasible for companies of all sizes to access top-quality testing services. This, coupled with swift result delivery, presents excellent value and peace of mind when addressing company drug testing needs.
The combination of affordability and timeliness sets our services apart. Businesses can rest assured that they are receiving cost-effective solutions without compromising on the accuracy or reliability of their test results, crucial for maintaining workplace integrity and safety.
In Hartford, SD, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in detecting substance use surpasses that of traditional methods, ensuring dependable outcomes. The testing process is streamlined for efficiency, providing quick turnaround times without sacrificing quality, making it the preferred choice for accurate substance detection.
The speed with which hair follicle tests deliver results is unparalleled, eliminating lengthy waiting periods and ensuring timely decision-making for employers. This promptness, combined with high accuracy, solidifies its standing as a trusted method for substance abuse testing, offering clients peace of mind in the reliability of the findings.
For employers in Hartford, SD, utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By adopting this method, companies reduce legal risks and enhance safety standards, fostering a secure work environment. With this reliable testing, employers have peace of mind, knowing they're upholding stringent substance abuse policies.
Implementing hair follicle tests helps enforce compliance and reassures employers of their zero-tolerance drug policies. This method minimizes potential liabilities and contributes to a healthier, more productive workplace, protecting both the company's integrity and its personnel from risks associated with substance abuse.
