Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample size for testing and verification. For more extensive testing such as EtG, advanced panels, and those beyond 10 tests, a 150mg sample is advised. The specimen should be measured using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial process of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. It involves ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances. While cost-effective to eliminate negative samples, any presumptively positive screen requires confirmation to be considered valid in legal contexts. Samples testing positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
With a presumptive positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for further testing. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing is among the most challenging.
Positive results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Post-screening, samples undergo a washing process if necessary, before confirmation. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is ISO / IEC 17025 accredited.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing in Lebanon, SD, outshine urine testing? The answer lies in superior detection abilities and higher reliability. While urine tests are traditional, hair testing offers extensive detection windows and is less susceptible to tampering, ensuring that test results are both accurate and trustworthy.
With hair follicle testing in Lebanon, SD, employers gain an extended insight into an individual's substance use, looking back up to 90 days. This expansive detection timeframe offers a more detailed picture of an individual's drug history, aiding companies in making well-informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Lebanon, SD, greatly reduces the risk of specimen tampering. The nature of hair collection makes it nearly impossible to manipulate, ensuring the results remain reliable and unquestionable. This advantage establishes confidence in testing outcomes and promotes trust in the testing process.
In Lebanon, SD, and beyond, our nationwide network of testing centers makes accessing services quick and hassle-free. No matter where you are in the country, our conveniently located centers streamline the testing process for individuals and employers alike, ensuring swift access.
Our drug testing process in Lebanon, SD, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, we prioritize privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality and ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
Competitively priced and efficient, our hair follicle drug tests in Lebanon, SD, offer great value for businesses of every size. Our fast turnaround times ensure quick access to results, enabling employers to make informed decisions swiftly and effectively.
In Lebanon, SD, the swiftness and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. This method's accuracy in identifying substance use ensures confidence in the results. They swiftly provide results, making them a popular choice for both employers and legal entities seeking fast, reliable outcomes in their drug testing processes.
High accuracy and prompt results make hair testing a preferred option.
For employers in Lebanon, SD, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, enhancing safety and minimizing legal risks. Adopting this testing method conveys a commitment to maintaining safe work environments, providing employers with peace of mind.
