Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, a hair sample can potentially provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the area nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to utilize a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we refer to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory phase where a specimen is integrated into the laboratory's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any extra data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances. Although Screening effectively rules out substance use in most cases cost-efficiently, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require further verification.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are derived from hair in much lower concentrations than in other types (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair analysis a challenging technique to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed to confirm any positives from the Screening. All tentatively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wicksville, SD: Hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests, especially in terms of detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a broader window of detection and is less prone to evasion tactics, making it a more reliable option for employers committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Wicksville, SD: Hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection period, effectively identifying drug use up to 90 days. This long-term view grants employers a comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee's substance history, essential for making informed decisions regarding hiring and maintaining workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wicksville, SD: Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, ensuring the results are both reliable and indisputable. This testing method curtails possibilities of adulteration, thus providing trustworthy outcomes and maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wicksville, SD: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that accessing hair follicle testing is both quick and straightforward. From local facilities to nationwide reach, we provide effortless access to necessary tests, enabling hassle-free and expedient service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wicksville, SD: Our process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is streamlined to prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. We address concerns about privacy, offering a seamless and discreet experience from start to finish, ensuring client peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wicksville, SD: Our competitive pricing structure coupled with rapid turnaround times delivers excellent value to businesses of all sizes. We offer cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality, ensuring swift results that meet the demands of a dynamic workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wicksville, SD: Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed, providing dependable detection of substance use. The high accuracy level of these tests ensures that results are trustworthy and efficient, making them the preferred choice for many organizations seeking to uphold their drug-free workplace policies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wicksville, SD: Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal liabilities and fostering a safer working environment. This method grants peace of mind by promoting compliance and safeguarding the business against potential risks.
