Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting substance and alcohol usage. The fibers in a hair strand capture biomarkers, providing a historical record of alcohol and drug exposure. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month window for detection. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for testing purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or tests with more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all non-scalp hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of drug test results in laboratories encompasses four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the sample's initial entry into the laboratory system. It involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input absent in the electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary examination to detect drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most cases, any positive screen must be confirmed for legal proceedings. Presumed positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Presumed positive samples in the Screening phase entail prepping additional hair from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Cogswell, ND, clearly surpasses traditional urine tests in several key areas. Primarily, hair testing offers a significant advantage in the detection window, capturing drug use over a more extended timeframe. This provides a more thorough assessment of an individual's substance history, unlike urine tests limited to recent usage.
Beyond its extended detection abilities, hair testing also demonstrates unmatched reliability. The precision of this method ensures that results are not only accurate but also trustworthy, making it the preferable choice over more conventional urine testing methods.
In Cogswell, ND, the advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This substantial detection window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, far exceeding the short-term scope of other testing methods.
The longer detection window provided by hair tests makes it a valuable tool for understanding patterns of behavior rather than just recent activity. This thorough insight is essential for making informed decisions about employment and compliance.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Cogswell, ND, offer a tamper-resistant method, significantly diminishing the risk of sample adulteration. This method’s resilience ensures that test results remain uncontaminated, maintaining their integrity throughout the process.
With the advanced collection technique of hair testing, the risk of interference decreases markedly. This builds confidence in the results obtained, which is critical for processes reliant on honest and untampered testing outcomes.
With our nationwide centers, including locations in Cogswell, ND, accessing hair follicle testing becomes straightforward and hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures convenience, allowing individuals easy access to testing services no matter where they are located.
The extensive network of testing centers simplifies the logistics of getting tested, making it a practical choice for those seeking reliable drug testing services with minimal friction.
The process of hair follicle testing in Cogswell, ND is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, privacy is always a top priority, ensuring individuals feel secure every step of the way.
This streamlined approach to testing ensures that navigating the drug testing process is uncomplicated, maintaining confidentiality and delivering results efficiently.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Cogswell, ND, making hair follicle testing accessible to companies of all sizes. This blend of cost-effectiveness and speed provides businesses with excellent value, allowing them to maintain compliance without excessive expenditure.
With competitive prices and rapid results, seeking a reliable testing service becomes a straightforward decision, ensuring both quality and budgetary efficiency.
In Cogswell, ND, hair follicle testing stands as a quick and reliable method for detecting drug use. The precision of hair testing ensures that results are highly accurate, providing a clear picture of substance use. Compared to other testing options, hair follicle tests offer superior speed, giving results swiftly for efficient decision-making.
With its advanced technology, hair testing quickly identifies substance use, reflecting the effectiveness of its methodology. The reliability makes it a trusted choice in Cogswell, ND, ensuring that individuals can proceed knowing they will receive dependable results.
Employing hair follicle testing in Cogswell, ND, ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, offering peace of mind to employers. This method aligns with zero-tolerance policies, reducing legal risks when establishing a safe, drug-free workplace environment.
By choosing hair tests, employers can effectively support a drug-free policy, minimizing risks associated with workplace substance abuse and fostering a culture of safety and compliance.
