Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The assessment of hair has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair creates an extended record of alcohol and drug exposure by preserving biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Hair samples taken near the scalp can reveal a history of alcohol and drug use up to roughly three months. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, tampering with them is relatively difficult, and they can be easily sent for analysis.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is considered optimal for both screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a drug test in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's entry into the laboratory system, which includes checking if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, designating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data requirements not fulfilled by an electronic tracking system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drug traces. As an economical method, it dismisses drug use in most samples; however, a positive finding in Screening mandates confirmation to be accepted legally. Samples that test positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumptively positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Preparation for Extraction. Here, drug substances are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those used in other methodologies (e.g., urine analysis or oral fluid testing), making hair testing a complex methodology to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques confirm any screening positives. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes evaluation according to both the College of American Pathologists’ Hair procedure and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently regarded as "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair shaft and not the hair follicle beneath the skin surface.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hisle, SD: Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy over an extended period. This reliability ensures employers and authorities can trust the results, making informed decisions with confidence.
Extended Detection Window in Hisle, SD: Hair follicle testing boasts a much longer detection window, assessing drug use up to 90 days. This provides employers a broader perspective on an individual's substance habits, crucial for thorough evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hisle, SD: The hair follicle test minimizes sample tampering risks, ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of results, paramount for accurate drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Hisle, SD: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to hair testing services across the nation, simplifying the process for companies and employees alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hisle, SD: The hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and private, ensuring ease and confidentiality from ordering to results, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hisle, SD: Our competitive pricing paired with quick result delivery offers exceptional value, catering to businesses of any size seeking efficient drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hisle, SD: The hair follicle drug tests are unmatched in precision, reliably detecting substance use. Their speed in producing results aids decision-makers in various sectors, enabling swift action without compromise on accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hisle, SD: Adopting hair follicle testing assists in maintaining drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer environment for everyone involved.
