Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as an essential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When samples are taken close to the scalp, they can offer a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, comparatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
An ideal sample for testing and verification is a 1.5-inch section, approximately 200 strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil), close to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG, supplementary tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg portion is advised. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. It includes verifying the appropriate sealing and shipment of the sample, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for abusive drug use. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome must be validated to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration level than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Any positive results in the Screening phase undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is performed on the hair strand itself, not on the scalp's hair follicle.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Morristown, SD, provides superior accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window and tamper-resistance make it preferable for employers seeking thorough substance evaluations. While urine tests only reveal recent usage, hair tests disclose a more comprehensive history.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Morristown, SD, is its extended detection period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive window enables employers and authorities to gauge an individual's substance usage history effectively, which is pivotal for making informed decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Morristown, SD, are engineered to resist tampering. This method ensures that sample adulteration is virtually impossible, offering trustworthy and undeniable results that stakeholders can count on for reliable insights into an individual's drug history.
Morristown, SD, is part of a network offering hair follicle drug testing at numerous locations nationwide. The convenience of accessible centers ensures ease of scheduling and attending appointments, enabling fast and hassle-free service for all testing needs.
The process of hair follicle testing in Morristown, SD, is both straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, the system is designed to maintain confidentiality while offering a user-friendly experience, addressing concerns of privacy and ease of usage seamlessly.
Companies in Morristown, SD, find hair follicle testing to be budget-friendly with rapid turnaround times. Our competitive pricing models cater to businesses of various sizes, delivering exceptional value and reassurance with swift results and cost-efficient services.
Hair follicle testing in Morristown, SD, guarantees swift, precise, and trustworthy results. Its high accuracy in identifying substance use is unmatched, offering reliable insights into one's drug history. With such precision, hair testing surpasses other methods, establishing a new standard for drug detection.
In Morristown, SD, hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, significantly minimizing legal risks. The reliability of hair testing fosters a safer work environment, promoting peace of mind for employers and reinforcing their commitment to safety.