Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting substances and alcohol use. The hair encapsulates a lengthy record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it offers approximately a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper, and convenient for shipping.
Securing a 1.5-inch piece comprising around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil’s width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the ideal quantity for initial tests and confirmations. For EtG, additional checks, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample's initial processing into the lab's system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drug misuse. While Screening is a cost-effective technique to exclude drug consumption for most samples, results need confirmation to be accepted legally. Any samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening are subject to secondary confirmation.
If a sample records a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at much diminished concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging procedure to conduct.
Confirmation of any probable positive result in screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All apparent positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the standards of accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although occasionally termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dickinson, ND
The effectiveness of hair testing overshadows traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests offer an extensive look at usage over a longer period. This unique advantage allows for a more precise evaluation and ensures a more robust assessment of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Dickinson, ND
Hair follicle testing's capability to detect drug use across a window of up to 90 days provides employers with a broad view of a candidate or employee's substance use history. This extended detection timeframe offers HR professionals a valuable tool in making informed hiring and policy decisions, addressing long-term substance concerns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dickinson, ND
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risks of sample tampering, offering results that are highly dependable and difficult to adulterate. The integrity of the samples is preserved from collection through to analysis, making this method an ideal choice for both legal and professional testing environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dickinson, ND
Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation ensures quick and easy access to testing services. Local facilities enhance accessibility in Dickinson, offering seamless experience for individuals and businesses seeking reliable testing services, without the hassle of long-distance travel.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dickinson, ND
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and secure, ensuring privacy and ease from ordering to receiving results. This confidentiality ensures applicants and employees can trust that their personal data remains safeguarded at every stage of the process, emphasizing respect for individual privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dickinson, ND
We offer competitive pricing structures paired with swift turnaround times, making our services cost-effective for organizations of all sizes. Our rapid result processing means you get the information you need quickly, providing valuable reassurance and efficiency for operational decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dickinson, ND
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results, ensuring a reliable detection mechanism for substance use. These tests offer superior accuracy compared to other methods, detecting even small traces of drug usage effectively. The meticulous process adopted in hair testing guarantees high dependability, critical for both employers and individuals seeking assurance in the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dickinson, ND
Using hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, fostering a safer and compliant work environment. This testing approach reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety, giving employers the peace of mind that they are in full compliance with relevant drug testing regulations.