Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of drug and alcohol usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirming. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer strictly to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is introduced into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that is not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient and suitable for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive findings require confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening call for a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dunn Center, ND: A highlight of hair testing is its precision compared to urine tests. While urine tests are common, hair tests offer an unmatched level of detection accuracy and reliability.
The benefits of hair follicle tests over urine tests include comprehensive results that speak to past drug use habits, establishing them as a superior choice for detecting substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Dunn Center, ND: Hair follicle drug screenings can trace substance use up to 90 days, offering a revealing look at an individual’s drug history.
This prolonged window grants employers extensive insights into an applicant's or employee’s substance habits, helping in making informed organizational decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dunn Center, ND: Hair follicle tests are structured to minimize the risk of sample tampering, setting a standard for reliability and certainty.
The test's design features make it challenging to adulterate, ensuring dependable results that accurately reflect an individual's substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dunn Center, ND: Our expansive network of nationwide testing centers facilitates effortless access to drug testing services.
Including both local and national presence, these centers offer a smooth and accessible solution for anyone requiring a drug test, providing convenience in every step.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dunn Center, ND: The path to ordering a test is straightforward and discreet, prioritizing user privacy and convenience throughout the process.
Ensuring confidentiality, the secure method from test entry to result retrieval is designed to provide users with confidence in their privacy safeguards.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dunn Center, ND: Our competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times offers exceptional value for companies, regardless of size.
By placing emphasis on swift delivery without compromising quality, organizations can reap the benefits of timely and economically feasible testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dunn Center, ND: Hair follicle drug tests deliver results efficiently, with precision being a notable factor. The state-of-the-art testing methods ensure high accuracy in identifying substance use.
Employing advanced techniques, these tests swiftly provide clear, dependable results. The focus on accuracy guarantees each analysis effectively identifies any trace of substances.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dunn Center, ND: Hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks.
By integrating these tests, companies can foster safer workplace environments, expressing commitment to a drug-free policy while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
