Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a timeline for alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to around 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, added tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. All other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.) are considered body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, which integrates a sample into a lab’s database. This step also includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and handling, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not processed via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary method for checking for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical choice to rule out drug use on most samples, but to be legally valid, a positive screen must be confirmed. Any samples flagged as likely positive during Screening necessitate a second confirmation step.
Should a sample appear positive after the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging technique to conduct.
To verify any positive screening outcomes, Confirmation is carried out using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair stipulations and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand without affecting the follicle beneath the skin.
In Scenic, SD, when comparing hair follicle testing to urine analysis, the benefits are apparent. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy, revealing substance use over a longer duration. Traditional urine tests may miss certain substances due to shorter detection windows. The reliability of hair testing ensures fewer false negatives, enhancing trust in the results provided by our testing services.
The hair follicle test method in Scenic, SD is exceptional for its prolonged detection capacity. It captures drug use history up to 90 days prior, offering employers an extensive view of substance behavior. This wide window helps evaluate an applicant or employee's long-term drug habits, providing a thorough assessment compared to tests with shorter detection times.
In Scenic, SD, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method that significantly mitigates sample adulteration risks. Its reliability ensures the results are unquestionable and trustworthy. Unlike other testing methods prone to interference, hair tests maintain credibility due to their robust nature, providing peace of mind for those seeking accurate outcomes without tampering concerns.
In Scenic, SD, our extensive network of testing centers nationwide guarantees easy access to services. Whether local or across the country, our facilities provide hassle-free testing for everyone. This broad reach ensures quick testing access, supporting both local residents and national clients, all within a streamlined and convenient framework.
In Scenic, SD, the hair testing process is straightforward and confidential, providing clients with ease and privacy. From ordering to taking the test, to receiving results, every step is designed for simplicity. Our service respects privacy concerns, ensuring confidentiality while maintaining an effortless experience for all clients who utilize our seamless testing procedures.
Scenic, SD clients benefit from competitive pricing and quick results through our hair follicle testing. With cost-effective structures and rapid turnaround, we offer excellent value to businesses of any size. Our commitment to affordability ensures quality services are accessible without compromise, providing financial peace alongside reliable drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle tests in Scenic, SD offer unparalleled precision, swiftly tracing substance utilization. Their high accuracy ensures they detect compounds missed by other methods. This advanced testing technology pinpoints drug use efficiently, cementing its reputation for swift and precise results. Our centers prioritize delivering fast outcomes without sacrificing accuracy, ensuring dependable results every time.
Employers in Scenic, SD gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies. This method helps reduce legal risks and enhances workplace safety. By incorporating hair testing, companies demonstrate their commitment to a safe environment for all employees, aligning with both legal requirements and safety standards.
