Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This test offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the developing hair fiber. Hair, when gathered near the scalp, offers a detection window of around three months for alcohol and drug traces. This method is straightforward to collect, tough to falsify, and convenient to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and tests exceeding ten panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler's scale. In absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. In this context, head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing within a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening performs an initial rapid assay for abusive substances. Although it’s a cost-effective means to identify drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary verification step.
In cases of presumptive positives at the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is exceedingly challenging to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing as necessary prior to confirmation. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand rather than the follicle at the scalp’s base.
Hair follicle testing in North Sioux City, SD, surpasses the traditional urine tests by delivering extensive detection and accuracy. This method eliminates the common pitfalls of urine testing, including false negatives or sample alteration.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests have a wider detection scope, enhancing reliability in the testing process and ensuring conclusive results that withstand scrutiny.
In North Sioux City, SD, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, inspecting substance use over extended periods up to 90 days. This offers a comprehensive insight into patterns of use over time.
The ability to retrospectively analyze substance use sets hair follicle testing apart from other methods, proving vital for employers needing detailed substance use histories of applicants or staff.
Hair follicle testing in North Sioux City, SD, offers a tamper-resistant method, significantly minimizing risks related to test sample tampering. This ensures unquestionable and trustworthy results each time.
The integrity of hair follicle samples stands strong against attempts of deception, offering stakeholders confidence in the reliability of the test outcomes.
Our nationwide scope, paired with local sites in North Sioux City, SD, highlights the accessibility and convenience of our testing centers. This makes drug testing more hassle-free across various locations.
The strategic placement of testing centers means easy reachability, promoting efficient service delivery and ensuring broader accessibility to quality testing services.
The process in North Sioux City, SD, is simplified and confidential, assuring clients of their privacy throughout the ordering, testing, and results phases. The seamless experience emphasizes user-friendliness.
A clear and discreet procedure eases concerns around privacy, ensuring clients are reassured by the professionalism and efficiency inherent in our drug testing services.
Affordable yet efficient, our services in North Sioux City, SD, come with competitive pricing structures that do not compromise on quality. Fast turnaround times ensure value across all organizational sizes.
Balancing cost-effectiveness and rapid result delivery means that clients can take advantage of proficient testing services without undue financial constraints.
The efficiency and accuracy of hair follicle tests provide unmatched results in North Sioux City, SD. With the capability to cover extensive substance use patterns, these tests offer fast turnaround times without compromising their precision.
The accuracy embedded in hair follicle testing makes them a preferred choice for detecting substance use, enabling faster, credible results that instill confidence among users and decision-makers alike.
Implementing hair follicle testing provides North Sioux City, SD, employers with unparalleled compliance reassurance regarding drug-free workplace policies. This adherence significantly mitigates possible legal complications.
Employers experience peace of mind knowing that hair follicle testing enhances workplace safety by aligning with stringent substance policies that safeguard the corporate environment.
