Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use history of up to around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send off.
A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and for tests covering more than 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes facial, axillary, and other hair types.
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing for a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary arrangement of a sample within a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court validity. Any samples that test presumptive positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Any positive screening results undergo confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as required before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Milbank, SD, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to its superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a longer detection window than urine tests, making them more dependable. Urine tests often face challenges with tampering and detection limits that hair testing effectively addresses. Businesses and legal institutions, therefore, favor hair tests to ensure compliance and confidence in test outcomes.
The extensive detection period of hair follicle testing in Milbank, SD, provides a comprehensive view of a person's drug use history. Spanning up to 90 days, this method allows employers to evaluate an applicant or employee's prolonged substance patterns. This extended window helps in making informed decisions that promote a drug-free workplace and ensure reliability in the selection process.
In Milbank, SD, hair follicle tests are favored for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike other test methods susceptible to manipulation, hair tests offer results that are dependable and unquestionable. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for employers seeking to maintain trust and integrity in their drug screening processes.
Milbank, SD, benefits from convenient testing locations nationwide, making hair follicle testing hassle-free and accessible. With an expansive network, our services are available across the country, ensuring swift and efficient access to testing. This widespread availability supports employers and individuals by providing easy and convenient drug testing solutions.
In Milbank, SD, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns with ease. Ordering tests, undergoing sampling, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure a stress-free experience. This approach prioritizes user confidentiality and simplicity, offering a smooth journey from start to finish for both individuals and employers.
Our services in Milbank, SD, boast affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, delivering excellent value. We offer competitive pricing structures to accommodate companies of various sizes. Coupled with fast results, this provides peace of mind and quality services, ensuring businesses can maintain drug-free workplaces without financial strain.
Hair follicle testing in Milbank, SD, delivers swift and reliable results, highlighting its precision in detecting drugs. This method stands out for its unparalleled accuracy, providing trustworthy insights into substance use. Unlike other techniques, the thorough nature of hair analysis ensures that results are both immediate and dependable, making it a top choice for employers and legal entities alike.
Employers in Milbank, SD, find peace of mind using hair follicle testing due to its compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, ensuring that companies meet regulatory requirements while fostering a secure environment. The reliability of hair testing supports businesses in upholding a zero-tolerance stance on substance abuse.
