Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases involved in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system, including checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to negate drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized 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: While frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Ayr, ND, is clear. Hair tests provide a much longer detection window, spanning up to 90 days, while traditional urine tests fall short in timeframe. Hair testing's accuracy and reliability stem from its detailed detection capabilities, making it a more dependable choice for identifying prolonged substance use as opposed to just recent consumption.
With an extended detection window reaching up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Ayr, ND, offers a comprehensive view of one's drug history. This longer timeframe allows employers to gain valuable insights into an individual's long-term substance use, contrasting with the brief detection periods of urine testing. For thorough examinations of historical drug use, hair testing excels.
In Ayr, ND, the hair follicle test stands out as a tamper-resistant option, significantly reducing risks of sample adulteration. Its collection and analysis process make it nearly impossible to falsify results, ensuring integrity and credibility in testing outcomes. This method provides organizations with essential certainty, knowing that the results truly reflect the subject's substance use.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient accessibility through numerous nationwide testing centers, including in Ayr, ND. This ensures quick, straightforward, and hassle-free access to drug testing services, offering residents and businesses local options within a robust national framework for addressing their testing needs.
In Ayr, ND, the process for conducting hair follicle tests is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the steps are streamlined to ensure user privacy and ease of use. This accessible procedure assures all participants that their information remains secure and stress-free throughout the testing process.
With accredited testing services in Ayr, ND, clients can expect affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This competitive pricing structure provides excellent value to businesses of all sizes, offering efficient results with minimal investment, ensuring companies can maintain their operations smoothly and cost-effectively.
In Ayr, ND, hair follicle drug tests offer precision and exceptional speed. These tests are renowned for their reliability in detecting substance use, thanks to advanced analysis techniques. Hair follicle testing outshines other methods, ensuring accurate results that organizations can count on when assessing drug use history. For quick and dependable insights, hair tests are a top choice.
For employers in Ayr, ND, using hair follicle testing fosters compliance with workplace drug-free policies and offers peace of mind. This testing method helps reduce legal risks and enhances workplace safety, ensuring a more secure and productive environment. By implementing hair testing, employers can confidently manage their drug policies.
