Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a historical record of alcohol and drug use by preserving biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer an approximate 3-month look-back period for drug and alcohol use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easily transported.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab processing for generating a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage that incorporates a sample into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid verification for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be validated to be legally acceptable. Any samples suggesting positive results during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a positive result at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often dubbed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Woonsocket, SD, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing allows for superior detection accuracy, providing more reliable results. Compared to urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair follicle tests offer a more comprehensive view of substance use, making them valuable for employers and legal authorities seeking thorough assessment of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Woonsocket, SD features an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This lengthened period provides employers a clearer and more comprehensive perspective on an applicant or employee's drug use history. By utilizing this method, organizations can make more informed decisions during recruitment and ongoing employment, enhancing safety and compliance.
Hair follicle tests in Woonsocket, SD are known for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized, leading to outcomes that are reliable and unquestionable. This ensures that the findings reflect an accurate history of substance use without being compromised, thus maintaining trustworthiness and integrity in the results.
With testing centers nationwide and local options in Woonsocket, SD, our service ensures convenience and ease. Our extensive network facilitates quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services, making it simple for both individuals and businesses to undertake necessary hair follicle tests with minimal disruption.
The hair follicle testing process in Woonsocket, SD is both simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, the process is designed to ensure ease of use while safeguarding privacy. Individuals can engage with the testing procedures confident that their privacy is respected and maintained throughout the entire process.
Providing affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our services in Woonsocket, SD deliver value and efficiency for companies of all sizes. With competitive pricing structures and quick result delivery, businesses can make timely hiring and management decisions without compromising on quality or exceeding budget constraints.
In Woonsocket, SD, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests offer a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are reliable and informative. Individuals and organizations can count on timely and accurate insights into substance use, making hair follicle testing a preferred choice for those seeking trustworthy results.
In Woonsocket, SD, hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind for employers. By utilizing this reliable testing method, companies can ensure adherence to drug-free policies, minimize legal disputes, and boost workplace safety. Effective and trustworthy, hair testing reassures employers that they are making informed decisions about their workforce's integrity and health.
