Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mission, SD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarker traces within their fibers, offering a prolonged history of drug and alcohol intake. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month detection period for substance use. Collection of hair is straightforward, with little risk of tampering, and convenient for shipping.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or testing exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, scalp hair is specifically implied. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test result includes four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning addresses the initial sample processing within the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample has been properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any further data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn’t covered.

Screening involves an initial quick assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal credibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the more complex methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive screening findings is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that presumptively test positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designations and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Lengthy detection period: Hair drug tests reveal drug use extending up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a more limited detection window.
• Difficult to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Yields historical data: It illustrates a drug use pattern spanning a period, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other methods.
• Results variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mission, SD. The superiority of hair testing over traditional urine tests is evident in its accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can identify drug use over much longer periods, providing a clearer picture of substance history.

• Longer detection periods
• Minimal risk of tampering
• Consistent accuracy

These benefits make hair testing a robust choice for employers and legal authorities alike.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Mission, SD, plays a crucial role in hair follicle testing. Its ability to trace drug use up to 90 days back offers employers a holistic understanding of an individual's substance habits.

The timeframe extends substantially beyond typical methods, ensuring that the results paint a comprehensive picture of an employee's or applicant's past behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mission, SD, showcases how hair follicle tests enhance the legitimacy of results by minimizing sample adulteration. The genuine integrity of these tests secures an unchallengeable outcome, boosting employer confidence.

• Reduces adulteration risks
• Ensures reliable results
• Provides unquestionable clarity

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of Nationwide Testing Locations extends to Mission, SD. Our extensive network of centers ensures effortless access to testing services without the hassle of long waits.

• Quick and easy access
• Local and nationwide reach
• Streamlined process for test completion

Simple, Confidential Process

Our process in Mission, SD, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, our method ensures privacy and ease of use.

Clients appreciate the straightforward nature of our system, free of unnecessary complexities, prioritizing discretion and convenience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Mission, SD, provides affordable pricing along with a fast turnaround. Our competitive rates combined with prompt result delivery offer excellent value for businesses regardless of size.

These advantages ensure companies receive timely information without overspending, allowing for informed decisions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Mission, SD, is synonymous with speed, accuracy, and reliability. The precision of these tests ensures accurate results, crucial for identifying substance use among individuals. The ability of this method to provide fast outcomes makes it a preferred choice for employers needing results swiftly.

Combining accuracy and efficiency, hair follicle tests stand out in the industry. Their ability to yield fast, reliable outcomes is ideal for urgent decisions in employment and other areas requiring rapid data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Mission, SD, utilizing hair follicle tests ensures compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies. This method significantly lowers legal risks and radically boosts workplace safety.

Employers enjoy a newfound peace of mind, knowing their policies are supported by an accurate, reliable testing method that ensures a safe working environment.

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