Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a robust method for uncovering the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands offer an extended historical record of substance use by locking biomarkers within the fibers as they grow. A sample collected near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol consumption history for nearly three months. The collection process is straightforward, the possibility of tampering is low, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (approximately equal to the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp weighs around 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for screening and subsequent verification. For conducting EtG, supplemental analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The comprehensive laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the preliminary rapid assessment for potential drug abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach for excluding drug usage in most samples, any positive results require verification for legal acceptability. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself and not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
In Potato Creek, SD, the merits of hair follicle testing over urine testing are noticeable. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for many. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing provides an in-depth insight into substance use patterns, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment.
Employers benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair testing. While urine tests might miss recent usage, hair tests cover up to 90 days of drug use history, providing a larger insight into an individual's habits and ensuring informed decision-making processes.
Hair follicle testing in Potato Creek, SD, shines with its extended detection window. Capable of revealing drug use over a period of up to 90 days, employers gain a clearer picture of applicants or employees' drug use history, aiding better decision-making.
The extended timeframe benefits not only organizations but also the individuals tested. With such a broad detection period, hair tests provide opportunities for individuals to demonstrate sustained substance-free behavior over time, lending them credibility during the evaluation process.
Potato Creek, SD, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
Such testing integrity means assurances for businesses and other stakeholders relying on precise results. The methodology ensures a sample's authenticity from the moment of collection to result delivery, upholding confidence in the entire process.
Testing convenience is at the forefront in Potato Creek, SD, and beyond. Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network of facilities ensures prompt and hassle-free access to testing services, covering local and distant needs.
Locally, in Potato Creek, SD, our facilities guarantee timely service for individuals and organizations alike. By providing nearby accessible centers, we eliminate logistical challenges, offering efficient solutions to drug testing requirements.
In Potato Creek, SD, the process of hair follicle drug testing is both simple and confidential. Focused on privacy and user-friendliness, ordering, testing, and receiving results are seamlessly streamlined.
This straightforward process alleviates concerns regarding data security and personal information handling. From initiation to conclusion, those involved can trust that their details remain confidential, providing peace of mind throughout the testing journey.
In Potato Creek, SD, hair follicle testing is valued for its affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. Businesses large and small benefit from competitive pricing structures, aligning with varying budgets and demands.
Quick result delivery further ensures our testing services are both cost-effective and timely. This combination of affordability and efficiency makes it a top choice for organizations seeking reliable and budget-conscious solutions to their testing needs.
In Potato Creek, SD, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. The high accuracy in detecting substance use through this testing method is a testament to its reliability. Quickly identifying drug presence ensures a fast and informed response to situations requiring immediate attention.
Moreover, the clarity and accuracy that these tests provide mean results you can trust. The methodology behind hair follicle testing ensures exact results, making it an excellent option for organizations demanding fast, unequivocal outcomes.
For employers in Potato Creek, SD, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. By ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, organizations can reduce legal risks and insurance claims related to substance abuse incidents.
Additionally, this testing helps cultivate a safer work environment. By reinforcing a culture of responsibility and accountability, businesses enhance overall workplace safety, satisfying both organizational and employee concerns.
