Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The structure of hair captures biomarkers within its fibers, offering a long-term record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair provides a historical range of approximately three months for detecting alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to adulterate, and convenient to transport.
A recommended sample size is 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) gathered close to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, specialized, and/or extensive panel tests exceeding 10, it's advised to procure 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be acquired. 'Head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Synopsis
The main procedural stages in handling a lab drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial, rapid assessment for drug presence. Although cost-efficient in excluding drug use for most samples, positive results necessitate confirmation to be valid in court. Samples with presumed positives in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
For samples presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Any preliminary positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly misnamed "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ravinia, SD
Compared to urine testing, hair follicle testing demonstrates superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are common, they cannot match the extended detection periods and robustness of hair tests. This advanced testing method unveils a window into an individual's substance use history that urine tests simply cannot rival.
Extended Detection Window in Ravinia, SD
The prolonged detection span of hair follicle testing provides insights into substance history for up to 90 days. This extensive period makes it ideal for employers who need a comprehensive look at an applicant or employee's drug use, adding a layer of transparency and accuracy to the hiring process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ravinia, SD
Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the likelihood of sample tampering. Their inherent design is resistant to adulteration attempts, ensuring that the results obtained are both reliable and beyond question. This makes them a preferred choice for rigorous workplace screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ravinia, SD
Our comprehensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures that whether you're in Ravinia or elsewhere, accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free. This ease of access means you can rely on quality testing services whenever they are needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ravinia, SD
Our hair follicle drug testing process is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving the results, privacy is maintained throughout, assuring individuals and organizations of a discreet and efficient testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ravinia, SD
Competitive pricing structures combined with quick test result turnaround times provide excellent value. This ensures companies of any size receive the benefits of quality hair follicle testing without compromising on cost or efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ravinia, SD
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed. The superior accuracy of these tests in detecting substance use outclasses more traditional methods. They deliver quick, reliable results, making them invaluable for employers and organizations looking to maintain stringent drug testing protocols.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ravinia, SD
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This practice reduces legal liabilities and boosts workplace safety, providing employers peace of mind as they uphold their commitment to a drug-free environment.