Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lasting record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When clipped near the scalp, hair can display a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing about 200 hairs (almost the size of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (face, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab process for a drug test involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into a lab’s system. This includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial fast check for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to rule out drug use mostly, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require another confirmation.
If a sample is flagged as positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lesser concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug testing is challenging to perform.
Confirmation of positive Screening results occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation, as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing stands superior to typical urine tests in Putney, SD, offering enhanced accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests which detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a broader insight into substance habits over time. The comprehensive detection accuracy of hair testing makes it a preferred choice among employers and evaluating authorities.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests in Putney, SD offer a thorough view of an individual's drug history. This capability provides employers with a more complete insight into potential employees' substance use trends, helping inform hiring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Putney, SD, significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring results remain unquestionable. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are highly resistant to adulteration, providing peace of mind in the accuracy and integrity of the results obtained.
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including facilities in Putney, SD, ensures easy and convenient access to drug testing services. With widespread locations, obtaining a hair follicle test is simple and efficient, making the process as seamless as possible for all our clients.
The process for hair follicle testing in Putney, SD, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to collection and receiving results, privacy and ease are prioritized, ensuring clients are comfortable and well-informed throughout the testing journey.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures in Putney, SD, alongside fast turnaround times. This combination delivers excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive cost-effective and timely drug testing solutions.
In Putney, SD, hair follicle drug tests offer rapid, precise results, ensuring reliable substance use detection. These tests are remarkably accurate, showcasing their ability to identify a wide range of substances efficiently. With swift processing, employers and individuals receive dependable results, allowing timely decision-making.
Employers in Putney, SD, find that hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining drug-free workplace policies. This testing method enhances compliance, reduces legal risks, and promotes a safer work environment, fostering peace of mind for employers concerned about substance use among employees.
