Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of developing hair strands, hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use. When extracted near the scalp, it can reveal a detection span of up to around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of about 200 hair strands (approximately resembling a #2 pencil) from the scalp will suffice for a 100mg hair sample, optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or assays exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing stage, integrating a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This phase involves confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drug substances. Although Screening can efficiently eliminate drug presence for most samples in a cost-effective manner, verification is mandatory for a positive screen to stand in legal contexts. All samples with preliminary positive results from Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
For samples declared preliminary positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing presents the greatest complexity.
Verification of any positive Screening findings utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All initially positive samples undergo washing before verification as needed. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis specifically examines the hair strand, not the scalp-embedded hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Meadow View Addition, SD. Hair testing offers unparalleled accuracy by covering an extensive detection period, contrasting traditional urine tests, which are limited to a shorter timeframe. The reliability and thoroughness of hair analysis make it a superior choice for long-term substance use evaluation.
Extended Detection Window in Meadow View Addition, SD. Hair follicle testing provides an advantage with its long detection window, identifying drug use patterns for up to 90 days. This extensive period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Meadow View Addition, SD. Hair follicle tests in Meadow View Addition significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and indisputable results. This method stands out for its ability to offer an honest reflection of an individual's substance use history, combating adulteration effectively.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Meadow View Addition, SD. Our nationwide presence and local facilities in Meadow View Addition provide convenient access to drug testing services. This network of centers ensures a fast, simple, and stress-free testing experience for clients everywhere.
Simple, Confidential Process in Meadow View Addition, SD. The hair follicle testing process is streamlined and confidential in Meadow View Addition. From ordering to sample collection and results, each step prioritizes privacy and simplicity, addressing any confidentiality concerns users may have.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Meadow View Addition, SD. Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Meadow View Addition an exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Enjoy peace of mind with our cost-effective solutions that don't compromise on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Meadow View Addition, SD. Hair follicle drug tests in Meadow View Addition offer unmatched speed and precision, ensuring highly accurate detection of substance use. These tests streamline the process, providing quick results while maintaining reliability, facilitating prompt decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Meadow View Addition, SD. Utilizing hair follicle testing in workplaces ensures adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal issues and promoting a safe work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are complying with regulatory standards and safeguarding their workforce.
