Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, hair allows for a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use. When samples are taken close to the scalp, a detection period of up to three months for substances like alcohol and other drugs is possible. Hair samples are straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) at the scalp produces 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For additional tests such as EtG or beyond 10-panel screenings, 150mg of hair is advisable. For accuracy, using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. Only scalp hair is referred to when mentioning head hair. Body hair encompasses all other kinds like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four key steps in the lab procedure for processing drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is processed into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and mailed, issuing a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplemental data that the electronic chain of custody system might lack.
Screening is an early assessment for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate possible positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at a significantly lower concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screen results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the standards of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation for Hair.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Pollock, SD, the advantages of hair testing become apparent. Hair follicle tests offer superior accuracy and reliability, capturing a longer history of substance use compared to traditional urine tests. This makes them invaluable for comprehensive substance use evaluations.
While urine tests are effective for detecting recent drug use, hair tests cover an extended period, offering a broader overview of an individual's history. This makes hair testing a more robust choice in many scenarios.
One key benefit of hair follicle testing in Pollock, SD, is its extended detection window. This method can identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days. For employers, this means gaining a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, rather than just a snapshot.
The ability to assess drug usage over a longer period provides invaluable insights. This window of detection captures a holistic view of an applicant or employee's substance habits, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests shine in Pollock, SD, due to their tamper-resistant nature. Adulteration of samples is a significant concern with other testing methods, but hair testing reduces this risk substantially. This ensures that the results obtained are reliable and beyond doubt.
The integrity of hair follicle drug tests lies in their design, which makes altering the samples extremely difficult. This provides confidence in the testing process, assuring stakeholders of the validity of the results.
Pollock, SD, benefits from the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers. This network ensures quick, hassle-free testing processes for employers and individuals alike, affirming accessibility to necessary tests without undue stress or inconvenience.
Accredited Drug Testing's extensive testing center coverage provides clients with local and national access. This strategic placement of facilities guarantees efficient and convenient service, streamlining the drug testing process for all involved.
In Pollock, SD, ordering and undertaking hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. From the initial request to receiving the results, every step is designed to preserve client privacy, ensuring the process is both simple and respectful of personal information.
Maintaining privacy through a simple, confidential process is paramount. The ease of ordering and obtaining results safeguards personal information, making clients feel secure and confident in the testing procedure.
Pollock, SD, benefits from cost-effective hair follicle drug testing solutions. Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing combined with a fast turnaround, delivering excellent value for businesses and individuals, regardless of size.
Affordable pricing and quick result times ensure that hair follicle testing is accessible while offering peace of mind. The combination of reasonable costs and rapid service provides an outstanding resource for organizations looking to maintain drug-free workplaces.
In Pollock, SD, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their speed and precision. These tests provide highly accurate results, offering a reliable measure of substance use. Their ability to deliver results quickly without compromising accuracy is making them increasingly popular for drug testing purposes.
Due to the precise nature of hair follicle tests, they can effectively pinpoint the presence of substances, ensuring dependable results. The efficiency and reliability of these tests contribute significantly to their widespread adoption.
Employers in Pollock, SD, can maintain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. By adopting this method, companies can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and contributes to a safer work environment, fortifying trust within the organization.
Hair follicle testing enhances safety and compliance in the workplace. Employing this method demonstrates a commitment to upholding rigorous drug-free policies, bolstering overall organizational security and integrity.
