Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug use. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers, hair offers a long-term record of substance use. Collected near the scalp, it can detect drugs and alcohol for up to roughly three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, with resistance to tampering and easy shipment.
A sample size of 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (e.g. the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp renders about 100mg, optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG add-ons or those surpassing 10 panels, 150mg is recommended. It’s advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it means only scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to other varieties like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning kicks off the lab’s chain of processing a sample by ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing needed data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase is a preliminary assessment for drugs, being a cost-efficient way to dismiss drug use in most samples, but a confirmed check is mandated for legal admissibility. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening need another confirmation.
For samples appearing positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted, presenting lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmed positive results undergo GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptively positive samples are cleansed as required. The whole process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Reliance, SD
Hair testing holds significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Its extended detection period enables more comprehensive substance use insights, offering higher reliability and accuracy. This method is invaluable for employers aiming to maintain workplace integrity and compliance with drug-free regulations.
Extended Detection Window in Reliance, SD
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection timeframe, up to 90 days, presenting a detailed overview of an individual's substance usage. This method is invaluable for employers seeking to understand the long-term behaviors of applicants or employees, ensuring informed and responsible hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Reliance, SD
One of the prominent strengths of hair follicle tests is their resilience against sample tampering. The process ensures undeniable results, significantly reducing the risk of contamination or adulteration, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Reliance, SD
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Reliance, SD, provides unparalleled convenience. Ensuring swift, efficient, and stress-free access to testing services supports individuals and organizations in meeting their testing needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Reliance, SD
Our testing procedure is straightforward and confidential, focusing on privacy from order to result. The emphasis on simplicity and discretion alleviates concerns, offering a user-friendly experience that respects individual privacy and needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Reliance, SD
Our competitive pricing paired with swift result reporting offers unmatched value. Whether for large corporations or small businesses, our services assure cost-effectiveness and prompt turnarounds, influencing peace of mind and reliable service engagement.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Reliance, SD
Hair follicle tests stand out for offering quick, precise results. They excel in rapidly identifying substance use with remarkable accuracy, outperforming many other tests in speed and validity. This benefit is critical in situations where timely, dependable information is vital for decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Reliance, SD
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, drastically lowering potential legal issues and enhancing safety. This comprehensive approach delivers peace of mind, reinforcing employer efforts to cultivate a secure and compliant work environment.