What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now considered a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair can capture a lengthy history of these substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair's developing strands. When gathered near the scalp, it offers around a three-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for assessment and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to determine the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the event scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used. The term head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

There are four principal steps in the lab processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s protocol. This step checks the sample for proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts a preliminary rapid analysis for substance abuse. Though Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most cases, positive results must be validated before being deemed court-ready. Any samples that test preliminarily positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.

For samples testing preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, substances are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening an especially challenging technique.

Positive screening outcomes are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to verification, if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards alongside the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for as long as 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a briefer detection period.
Difficult to manipulate: Manipulating a hair drug test is challenging, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
Insight into usage trends: It reveals a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

Inability to detect recent activity: Drugs need about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
Higher expense: Hair drug assessments generally incur greater costs compared to other testing methods.
Variance in outcomes: Variables like hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McLaughlin, SD

Hair testing excels in detection accuracy and reliability over urine tests, identifying long-term usage.
With a longer detection window, hair testing is more adept in revealing past drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in McLaughlin, SD

Hair follicle testing is unmatched in detecting drug use up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed view.
This extended window provides comprehensive insights into an individual's substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McLaughlin, SD

Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chance of sample adulteration.
This method ensures reliable, unquestionable results every time.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McLaughlin, SD

Our nationwide centers promise quick and hassle-free access to testing.
The convenience of local McLaughlin locations ensures easy testing procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in McLaughlin, SD

The process is straightforward and discreet, maintaining privacy throughout.
Ordering, taking the test, and obtaining results are simple and secure steps.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McLaughlin, SD

Our competitive pricing and swift results provide value and reassurance.
Designed for companies of all sizes, these testing services offer both affordability and promptness.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McLaughlin, SD

Hair follicle tests deliver precise and swift outcomes, ensuring high accuracy in the detection of substances.
The efficient processes make these tests a top choice for accuracy and speed in McLaughlin.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McLaughlin, SD

Adopting hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety.