Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a comprehensive timeline for alcohol and drug history by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, this denotes scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This entails verifying the sample’s appropriate sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient means of ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally valid. Any samples that indicate presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples suggesting presumptive positives are subjected to washing prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rutland, SD
In Rutland, hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests in numerous ways. Its extended detection period offers a distinct edge, capturing past substance use accurately over 90 days. This advantage assures higher reliability for employers and institutions, providing a more comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Rutland, SD
Hair follicle tests offer a substantial detection period of up to 90 days, presenting a clear picture of someone's drug usage. This longer window allows employers and law bodies in Rutland to assess an individual's substance habits over an extended period, supporting informed decision-making regarding employment or legal matters.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rutland, SD
In Rutland, hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against sample tampering. Their design greatly reduces the opportunity for adulteration, assuring stakeholders of the integrity of the results. The method's inherent reliability is a decisive factor, particularly for organizations that prioritize precise and unquestionable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rutland, SD
Our network of hair follicle testing centers extends nationwide, including Rutland, facilitating swift access to services. The convenience of local facilities means less hassle for users, ensuring that drug testing needs are met promptly and efficiently, without unnecessary stress or delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rutland, SD
Our testing process in Rutland is straightforward and ensures confidentiality every step of the way. From placing orders to collecting samples, and receiving results, privacy is paramount. This seamless approach reassures clients, letting them focus on what matters without concerns over data security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rutland, SD
Competitive pricing combines with swift result delivery to create optimal value in Rutland. Our efficient processes ensure that businesses of all sizes can access and benefit from quality hair follicle testing without financial strain, providing assurance at a fair cost and bolstering company policies without delay.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rutland, SD
Hair follicle drug tests in Rutland deliver prompt and precise results, highlighting their superior ability to identify substance use. The methodology ensures pinpoint accuracy, giving both employers and individuals confidence in the reliability of the outcomes. These tests clearly stand out for their rapid processing and dependable detection measures.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rutland, SD
The adoption of hair follicle testing ensures employers in Rutland maintain adherence to drug-free policies. This method mitigates legal concerns and enhances workplace safety, granting peace of mind. It's a reliable solution for those looking to uphold stringent company standards and safeguard a productive work environment.