Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a chronological record of alcohol and other drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, has resistance to tampering, and is easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair is lacking, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (for example, facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial ingress of the sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This phase involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it serves as an economical way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening necessitates verification to be valid in a legal context. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening need further confirmation.
In instances where a sample registers a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the more complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo a cleaning process before confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Smithwick, SD, outshines traditional urine testing due to its reliable detection over extended periods. Hair tests offer superior accuracy, capturing substance history up to 90 days, far exceeding the short window of urine tests. Employers benefit from this thorough insight into substance use.
In contrast to urine tests, hair follicle tests are almost cheat-proof, offering a deterrent for those contemplating sample tampering. This makes them a preferred choice for employers with stringent drug-free policies.
Extended detection windows are a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Smithwick, SD. Employers gain a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, capturing usage up to 90 days.
This extended period is crucial for a thorough assessment, surpassing the mere days offered by traditional urine tests. It provides a long-range outlook, which is essential for maintaining drug-free environments.
In Smithwick, SD, hair follicle testing is a much more tamper-resistant method than other forms, greatly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. With its observed collection process, the results provide a reliable and trustworthy verification.
The challenges of altering hair samples make it nearly impossible for individuals to manipulate the outcome, offering employers assurance in the accuracy of the test.
Smithwick, SD, benefits from convenient nationwide testing locations, simplifying access to reliable drug testing services. Our expansive network ensures testing can be conducted quickly and easily, minimizing disruptions.
The accessibility of testing centers locally ensures that the process is straightforward and hassle-free, saving time for both employers and individuals.
The process of hair follicle testing in Smithwick, SD, is simple and confidential, safeguarding privacy while providing ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process is straightforward and respectful of privacy.
Concerns are reduced as individuals find a streamlined process that prioritizes their confidentiality, facilitating a smooth testing experience without stress.
In Smithwick, SD, competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. We offer excellent value, emphasizing both cost-effectiveness and rapid result delivery.
This combination ensures organizations can confidently maintain their drug-free policies without straining their budgets, while receiving prompt results they can rely on.
In Smithwick, SD, hair follicle testing delivers fast, accurate, and reliable results, making it a top choice for substance detection. The precision of hair tests is unmatched, providing high accuracy and confidence in identifying drug use.
The speed of processing hair follicle test results ensures that employers and individuals alike receive timely information critical for decision-making and compliance.
Hair follicle testing in Smithwick, SD, helps maintain compliance and peace of mind for employers. It supports workplace drug-free policies while minimizing the risk of legal issues.
By ensuring that all potential substance use is accounted for over an extended period, hair testing enhances workplace safety and reduces vulnerabilities associated with drug use.
