Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Castlewood, SD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a powerful method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. When addressing head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody setup.

Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. It is a cost-efficient way for most samples, but screen positives must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

For presumptive positives in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is challenging to execute.

Positive screenings are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples are washed before Confirmation if necessary. The entire process is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection span: Hair drug tests detect usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Hard to manipulate: Hair drug tests are difficult to tamper with, ensuring more precise results.
• Shows usage history: Provides patterns of drug consumption over time, beyond recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Takes around 5-7 days for drugs to show up in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative testing methods.
• Result variation: Aspects like hair color and growth differences can affect drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Castlewood, SD

• In comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, hair analyses provide more accurate detection over an extended period.
• The extended detection window of hair tests offers a comprehensive assessment of drug use, beyond the limits of urine testing.
• Hair tests are preferred for their ability to identify long-term substance use patterns that urine tests may miss.
• Urine tests are effective for recent use detection, but hair tests present a broader view of an individual’s drug history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Castlewood, SD

• Hair follicle testing offers detection over a longer period, up to 90 days, providing a detailed view of an individual’s drug use history.
• This extended timeline supports employers in making informed hiring decisions, ensuring a safe and productive workplace.
• The comprehensive analysis of substance use over time distinguishes hair testing from shorter-interval testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Castlewood, SD

• Hair follicle drug tests dramatically reduce the potential for sample adulteration or tampering.
• The method of obtaining the sample through an observed process ensures the integrity of the sample.
• Such rigorous testing measures contribute to the delivery of trustworthy and unquestionable results that stand up to scrutiny.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Castlewood, SD

• Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures easy access to drug testing services.
• Local facilities, including those in Castlewood, SD, provide seamless and quick testing, eliminating the hassle of long travel times.
• This accessibility supports swift and hassle-free drug testing processes for both individuals and employers.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Castlewood, SD

• The process is straightforward and maintains confidentiality from ordering the test to receiving results.
• Clients are ensured peace of mind with privacy-focused procedures that respect sensitive information.
• This ease of use encourages wider acceptance and adherence to drug testing practices.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Castlewood, SD

• Offering competitive pricing structures, we ensure that quality hair follicle testing is accessible to businesses of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround times provide companies with timely information necessary for making informed decisions.
• Our services deliver excellent value, balancing cost efficiency with the need for precise testing outcomes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Castlewood, SD

• Our hair follicle drug testing delivers quick and precise results, minimizing wait times and providing prompt feedback.
• The high accuracy in detecting substance use ensures that employers are receiving reliable information about potential or current employees.
• This method significantly increases the reliability of drug test outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Castlewood, SD

• Utilizing hair follicle testing helps businesses maintain compliance with drug-free workplace standards.
• This eliminates potential legal issues and enhances overall work environment safety.
• Adopting stringent yet fair testing procedures reassures both employers and employees regarding a drug-free workplace.

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