Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferable. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" pertains to all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process confirms the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary method to quickly identify drugs of abuse. This cost-effective measure helps rule out drug use in most samples, though a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any sample that tests as presumptively positive in Screening necessitates a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial collection and set aside for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive screens require Confirmation, achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. All samples that preliminarily test positive are washed prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and complies with the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine testing reveals significant advantages, especially in Newell, SD. Hair tests demonstrate superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection window, hair assessments cover a longer period, uncovering patterns of use that might otherwise remain undetected, thus providing a comprehensive review.
Hair follicle testing in Newell, SD, offers a significantly extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days into an individual's substance history. This capability allows employers to evaluate long-term behavior, rather than just recent activities, making it an invaluable tool for assessing the substance use of applicants and employees alike. This comprehensive view aids in informed decision-making.
Newell, SD, benefits greatly from hair follicle testing due to its resilience against tampering. Unlike more vulnerable alternatives, the integrity of hair samples is difficult to compromise. This method thus guarantees reliable results, as individuals find it near-impossible to alter or adulterate the sample, ensuring authenticity and accuracy in substance detection.
In Newell, SD, the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide and local centers is unparalleled. With numerous locations catering to testing needs, accessing our services is a seamless experience. Quick, easy, and hassle-free testing processes make it simple for individuals and organizations alike to undergo essential drug assessments without undue stress.
Newell, SD, residents can rely on a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing with Accredited Drug Testing. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. This seamless approach ensures that all concerns about confidentiality and process simplicity are addressed adequately.
Accredited Drug Testing in Newell, SD, prides itself on offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. This ensures affordability without sacrificing quality, providing unmatched value for companies of all sizes. Efficient service delivery means businesses can rely on receiving timely, high-quality results at an attractive price point, ensuring peace of mind.
In Newell, SD, hair follicle drug testing stands out for delivering quick and precise outcomes. The method excels in identifying substance use with impressive accuracy. Testing processes are designed to swiftly detect substance levels, providing results that professionals can trust. This accuracy is paramount for maintaining safety and confidence in various health and legal assessments.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Newell, SD, supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind to employers. This method significantly reduces legal risks and enhances the overall safety of the workplace environment. With highly accurate results, organizations can reinforce their commitment to a secure and productive work setting.
