Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly perceived as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record for these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, generally challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides a 100mg sample ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial registration into a lab system. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though budget-friendly for ruling out drug usage in most samples, positive screenings must be validated for legality in court. Samples testing positive in Screening require a secondary validation.
For samples testing presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at lower concentrations from hair compared to other samples (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to execute.
Positive screening confirmations proceed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples receive a pre-confirmation wash if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," the evaluation focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Langford, SD, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior ability to detect substances over a more extended period provides greater reliability. For employers, the longer detection window means a better understanding of an individual's substance use history, making it a preferred choice compared to the shorter timeframe of urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Langford, SD, allows for the detection of drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window gives employers a thorough view of an applicant or employee's past substance use. The comprehensive coverage ensures better decision-making, highlighting trends in long-term substance adherence rather than short-term abstinence.
Using hair follicle tests in Langford, SD, significantly reduces the possibility of tampering. Unlike other testing methods, the risk of adulterating samples is minimized, fostering reliable and trustworthy results. This method elevates the integrity of the drug testing process, providing definitive evidence of substance use.
Testing in Langford, SD, becomes convenient with our widespread locations. Accredited Drug Testing’s facilities are located Nationwide, offering quick, effortless access whether you're local or part of our broader network. This accessibility ensures our services are always available when you need them the most.
In Langford, SD, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes ease and privacy. This straightforward approach not only addresses concerns about confidentiality but also ensures a user-friendly experience, making the entire procedure seamless for everyone involved.
Accredited Drug Testing in Langford, SD, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Our services provide excellent value, making them affordable for companies of all sizes. You can expect quick results without compromising quality, ensuring that your business maintains a high-standard testing regimen within budget.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a popular choice in Langford, SD. Their high accuracy in detecting a variety of substances quickly is unmatched by other methods. Hair tests ensure you get fast and reliable results, minimizing waiting time while providing clear insights into an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace policies in Langford, SD. By adopting this testing method, employers reduce legal risks and enhance safety. The comprehensive evaluation offers peace of mind, helping maintain a drug-free workplace and adhering to stringent regulatory standards.
