Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive solutions for hair follicle testing in McIntosh, SD. If you require a test for drugs or alcohol via hair samples, Accredited Drug Testing is an expert in this field. Testing centers are available nationwide. Hair from the crown or body, measuring 1.5 to 2 inches, is usually necessary. Options available include tests for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or custom solutions.
The popularity of hair follicle tests has increased in recent years within drug testing methods. Replacing standard urine tests, many employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals now prefer hair drug tests. These are favored by employers with zero-tolerance policies, in court settings, and for those on probation, providing longer detection, up to 90 days, collected with observation, and difficult to manipulate. To detect drug use within the past 5 days accurately, urine tests remain preferred.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term indicator for substances, capturing drug biomarkers within the strands as hair grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal usage of alcohol and drugs for a period of up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, the same quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to hair on the scalp, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The crucial steps in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the primary processing of a sample upon entering the laboratory’s system. It involves verifying correct sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to identify drugs of abuse. Despite being a budget-friendly approach to negating drug usage in most samples, positive screening outcomes must be validated for court acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample is deemed presumptively positive in Screening, extra hair is selected from the original sample for Extraction. This procedure extracts drugs from hair at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
The Confirmation phase for any positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessments evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McIntosh, SD Hair follicle testing provides superior benefits over traditional urine tests by offering a longer detection window and higher accuracy. This method ensures a more reliable analysis of substance use, allowing employers and agencies to make informed decisions with confidence, knowing the results can't be easily manipulated.
Extended Detection Window in McIntosh, SD One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days. For employers, this offers a thorough view of an individual's substance use history and assists in hiring and retention decisions, ensuring a safe and compliant workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McIntosh, SD Hair follicle tests provide a secure and reliable testing method that is difficult to alter. This advantage significantly reduces the risk of tampering with samples, ensuring that results are genuine and credible, thereby protecting the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McIntosh, SD Our extensive network of testing centers makes accessing services quick and hassle-free. Whether locally in McIntosh or across the nation, testing locations ensure convenience for all parties involved, streamlining the testing process for both individuals and employers.
Simple, Confidential Process in McIntosh, SD Our testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring that privacy concerns are prioritized. From ordering to results reception, the process is easy to navigate, giving users confidence in the secure handling of their sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McIntosh, SD We offer competitive pricing structures and ensure a fast turnaround time for tests. This provides excellent value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, demonstrating our commitment to affordable, yet reliable drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McIntosh, SD Hair follicle drug tests are known for their remarkable precision and speed in detecting substance use. They stand out for their high accuracy and efficiency compared to other testing methods. This testing approach ensures that results are not only swift but also maintain a high level of reliability, helping decision-makers trust the outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McIntosh, SD By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks and enhances the safety of the work environment. Employers are assured of a drug-free workforce, promoting peace of mind and operational efficiency.
