Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to acquire, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's size) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. When referring to head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps involved in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This verifies that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening offers a cost-effective means to rule out drug use in most samples, but a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in court. Samples that are presumptively positive during screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Is Superior
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. The hair follicle test's extended detection window provides a more comprehensive overview of substance use, capturing traces that urine tests might miss. It effectively becomes the better option, especially when assessing long-term drug use patterns in Akra, ND.
Extended Detection Window in Akra, ND
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a much longer duration, up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers in Akra to glean a fuller picture of an individual's substance history, making it an invaluable tool in the hiring process. Employers gain insights not provided by shorter-term tests like urine or saliva analyses.
Reliable Tamper-Resistance
Hair follicle testing in Akra, ND, greatly reduces the risk of sample tampering. Its resistance to common adulteration methods ensures that the results are both reliable and verifiable. Professionals prefer hair testing for its tamper-proof nature, giving them confidence that the sample accurately reflects the individual's substance use history without the risk of cheating or contamination.
Nationwide and Local Convenience
Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access to testing services through both nationwide and local centers in Akra, ND. This extensive network alleviates logistical challenges, enabling individuals and companies to conduct necessary tests swiftly and easily. Availability ensures that obtaining a test is a simple, stress-free experience throughout the region.
Simple and Confidential Process
In Akra, ND, the process of conducting a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step considers the privacy concerns of the individual. This user-friendly approach ensures that anyone needing to take or administer a test can do so securely, without unnecessary complexity, fostering trust and transparency.
Cost-Effective with Quick Turnaround
Accredited Drug Testing in Akra, ND, offers competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid turnaround times. Companies of all sizes find excellent value in our services, as they balance affordability with timely, high-quality results. This combination assures peace of mind and reliability for all clients seeking drug testing solutions.
Fast and Accurate Testing in Akra, ND
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for providing prompt, accurate, and reliable results. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing can detect substance use with high precision, making it an excellent choice for individuals and organizations seeking dependable outcomes. The rapid assessment process ensures that patients receive their results quickly, with minimal waiting time.
Ensuring Employer Compliance
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers in Akra, ND, maintain compliance with drug-free policies. By adopting this method, businesses not only adhere to legal standards but also enhance workplace safety. Implementing hair testing reduces potential legal risks and conveys a message of responsibility and diligence to employees and stakeholders.
