Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records long-term drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect hair samples, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparative to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, making it an ideal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels beyond 10, it is advisable to collect 150mg. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen weight. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, providing it with a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for the presence of drug abuse. While it is an economical method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug testing is among the most complex methodologies.
For Confirmation, any positive results from Screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards of accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Caledonia, ND, offers undeniable advantages. Notably, the detection accuracy of hair tests is superior, providing reliable results that employers can trust. Hair testing is less susceptible to manipulation, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Employers seeking extensive drug detection capabilities opt for hair testing over urine tests. The method's precision and comprehensive coverage of drug history make it a clear choice when accuracy and reliability are non-negotiable.
One of the remarkable features of hair follicle testing in Caledonia, ND, is its extended detection window. This innovative testing methodology can trace substance use for up to 90 days, giving employers a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history.
Employers benefit from this extensive detection period, as it provides a more thorough understanding of a prospective or current employee's habits. The ability to uncover long-term patterns of use informs better hiring and employment decisions, proving invaluable for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Caledonia, ND, excels in preventing sample tampering. Unlike other methods, this testing process has a significantly higher resistance to adulteration attempts, producing results that are dependable and difficult to compromise.
The inherent design of hair testing acts as a robust deterrent to those attempting to manipulate outcomes. This ensures that employers receive accurate, uncontested results, bolstering their confidence in their drug testing protocols.
Accredited Drug Testing provides unparalleled convenience in Caledonia, ND with our nationwide testing facilities. Their strategically placed centers ensure rapid, uncomplicated access to testing services, which means minimal interruptions to your schedule.
In addition to nationwide availability, our local presence in Caledonia guarantees swift and efficient service. This network of locations simplifies the testing process, offering immediate solutions without distant travel, therefore optimizing both time and effort for clients.
The process for hair follicle testing in Caledonia, ND, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to sample collection to receiving results, each step prioritizes client privacy and ease of use, eliminating unnecessary complexities.
Accredited Drug Testing emphasizes a hassle-free experience; clients can trust in a secure system that protects their personal information from order initiation to delivery of results. This commitment to discretion enhances user confidence every step of the way.
In Caledonia, ND, we offer competitive prices and a swift turnaround time for hair follicle testing, making it an affordable option for businesses of any size. Our pricing structure ensures excellent value, aligning with companies’ budgets without compromising service quality.
Clients also benefit from rapid test processing and results, allowing them to make timely decisions. This balance of affordability and speed secures peace of mind, reinforcing our pledge to client satisfaction through cost-effective service.
The process of hair follicle drug testing in Caledonia, ND, ensures rapid, precise results. Recognized for its adeptness at revealing substance use, it surpasses traditional tests in reliability. Its precision guarantees accuracy that employers can depend on, equipping them with the trustworthy data they need.
With hair follicle testing, the swiftness of results doesn't come at the expense of accuracy. This method offers clarity by detecting a wide array of substances promptly, thereby enabling prompt decisions necessary in workplace operations.
In Caledonia, ND, utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining workplace compliance and peace of mind. Employers gain significant advantages by applying this method within their drug-free policy frameworks, effectively minimizing legal risks and promoting a secure work environment.
Through reliable hair testing, companies uphold stringent substance regulations, ensure employee safety, and reduce harmful incidences in the workplace. This strategic approach supports the operational stability and moral responsibility of maintaining a drug-free zone.
