Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. A hair sample offers an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month history of alcohol and drug use. It is easy to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for testing and verification. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test at the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and adding any data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary examination to detect abuse substances. Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug presence in most samples, but a positive screen is not legally valid unless confirmed. Therefore, samples presumptively positive in Screening need a secondary verification.
If a sample has a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other forms (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug analysis challenging to execute.
For any positive Screening outcomes, Confirmation is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that test presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Breien, ND One standout advantage of hair testing is its superior detection window compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests may miss recreational use, hair tests provide a broader overview of substance history, reflecting usage over several weeks or months. Where accuracy is paramount, hair follicle testing offers a dependable alternative, ensuring employers in Breien can rely on comprehensive data when conducting pre-employment screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Breien, ND Hair follicle tests surpass traditional methods by detecting drug use over an extended period, up to three months. This allows for a more detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, offering employers and agencies insight into continuous or intermittent drug use patterns. The extended detection window proves invaluable for making informed decisions regarding employment and rehabilitative procedures.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Breien, ND Hair follicle testing is a robust solution against sample tampering, as it greatly reduces opportunities for adulteration. As samples are collected under observation, the integrity of the test is maintained, ensuring that results are both reliable and defensible. This method safeguards against manipulation, providing results that can be trusted in critical situations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Breien, ND With numerous testing centers across the nation, and locally in Breien, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been more straightforward. The convenience offered by our widespread locations ensures that testing is rapid, simple, and accessible, meeting the needs of both personal and professional requirements efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Breien, ND The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results through hair follicle tests is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Addressing privacy concerns, individuals can trust that their data is handled discreetly. The straightforward nature of the process enhances user experience, ensuring participants feel comfortable at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Breien, ND Our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for businesses of all dimensions. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, the value provided surpasses expectations, allowing companies to receive results promptly and efficiently. This affordability does not compromise on the quality or accuracy of testing, offering excellent value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Breien, ND Hair follicle drug testing systems offer swift outcomes, ensuring individuals are accurately assessed for substance use. This method is renowned for its precision in detecting a wide variety of substances, thus becoming a trusted choice for sensitive screening needs. The dependability of hair follicle testing makes it a popular choice due to the assurance of accurate results, making it ideal for workplaces and agencies requiring reliable drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Breien, ND Utilizing hair follicle tests, employers can effectively enforce drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposure and elevating safety standards. The assurance that testing methods comply with regulatory expectations fosters confidence, granting employers peace of mind and reinforcing a commitment to a safe, productive working environment in Breien.
