Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will weigh around 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen's weight. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results includes four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This process involves confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any missing data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for abusive substances. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most cases, any positive results need to be verified to be viable in legal proceedings. Samples with presumptive positive results from Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
For samples that return a presumptive positive in the Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Drugs are removed from hair in this stage at much reduced concentrations than in other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presuming positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although the term "hair follicle tests" is common, the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods in Tulare, SD, hair follicle tests hold significant advantages over urine tests. The superior detection accuracy offers a more reliable insight into an individual's substance use history, proving crucial for employers and legal entities.
Hair testing provides a longer detection window and minimizes cheating attempts, favorite factors for organizations with strict drug policies. This ensures comprehensive assessments where accurate detection is critical.
Hair follicle testing in Tulare, SD, offers an extended detection window that covers up to 90 days of drug use history. This broader scope allows employers to gain a full understanding of an applicant or employee's substance habits, far exceeding the coverage of traditional urine tests.
The lengthy detection period of hair testing provides a complete view of substance use, helping organizations make informed decisions about potential or current employees.
One key advantage of hair follicle drug testing in Tulare, SD, is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are reliable and beyond dispute.
By employing a tamper-resistant collection and testing procedure, hair follicle tests provide a trustworthy option for employers and legal entities needing confirmed results, crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing.
Our extensive nationwide testing locations, including those in Tulare, SD, ensure convenient access to drug testing services. This accessibility guarantees quick and hassle-free testing, no matter where you are situated.
With testing centers spread across the nation, individuals and employers enjoy seamless testing experiences, offering ease and efficiency during their drug testing process.
In Tulare, SD, the process for hair follicle drug testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step prioritizes user privacy and ease of use, putting at ease any concerns about confidentiality.
This straightforward approach ensures that individuals can participate in testing without stress, reinforcing trust in the process and in the integrity of the results provided.
Hair follicle drug tests in Tulare, SD, offer companies affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Competitive pricing structures ensure all businesses, regardless of size, can access high-quality testing services.
While maintaining affordability, these tests provide swift delivery of results, giving employers the timely information they need for efficient decision-making, all while safeguarding company resources.
In Tulare, SD, hair follicle drug testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method stands out due to its precision in detecting substances and its quick processing times, ensuring that results are delivered promptly without sacrificing on accuracy.
The combination of high accuracy and rapid results makes hair follicle testing the go-to choice for employers and individuals who seek trustworthy and efficient drug testing services.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Tulare, SD, grants employers compliance and peace of mind. It solidifies adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities while fostering a safer work environment.
Incorporating this method into company policies not only ensures legal compliance but also reassures employees of the company's commitment to safety and well-being.
