What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use involving drugs and alcohol. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair stands, hair offers a prolonged history of exposure. When samples are taken near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage within an approximate 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to ship.

A 1.5-inch hair segment, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) collected from the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg is advisable. It's beneficial to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent body hair collection is acceptable. By scalp hair, we imply head hair only, whereas body hair designates all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary laboratory procedures for processing drug test results encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial laboratory processing of the sample, ensuring the specimen was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data entry not covered by electronic custody documentation.

Screening acts as a preliminary rapid review for substances of abuse. Though cost-efficient for negating drug use in most specimens, a positive screening result needs validation for court acceptance. Thus, samples yielding positive results in Screening necessitate secondary verification.

If the Screening phase suggests a positive result, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than seen in other testing methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making the hair drug test methodology the most complex to conduct.

Positive results in Screening undergo Confirmation through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary samples are cleansed before confirmation. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair drug evaluations can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, compared to shorter detection spans in urine tests.
Enhanced testing integrity: Hair drug evaluations are challenging to manipulate, enhancing accuracy.
Chronicles historical usage: It offers a timeline of substance usage, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

Inability to detect recent consumption: Detection in hair occurs around 5-7 days post-exposure.
Expense: Hair drug evaluations are typically costlier than alternate testing methods.
Result variability: Aspects like hair color and growth variation can influence metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Dunseith, ND, hair follicle testing is often seen as superior to urine testing due to its many benefits.

Hair tests offer a longer detection window, giving a comprehensive view of substance use.
These tests are more accurate at detecting drug use over time.
Hair testing minimizes the chance of tampering much more effectively.

Employers favor hair tests for their reliability and accuracy in maintaining a drug-free policy.

Extended Detection Window

In Dunseith, ND, hair follicle tests are unique in their ability to provide an extended detection window for drug use. This window can span up to 90 days, offering a broader perspective on an individual's substance use history.

This long-term view is invaluable for employers.
It informs decisions during hiring or ongoing assessments.
Substance use trends become apparent with such comprehensive data.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Dunseith, ND, is an ideal choice for those seeking a tamper-resistant drug screening method. Compared to other tests, hair testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration.

Detection methods make it hard for individuals to alter results.
The integrity of the results is preserved, ensuring they are reliable and trustworthy.
Consequently, results are both reliable and defensible in all contexts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of nationwide testing centers is a major advantage for those in Dunseith, ND. With easy access to local testing centers, drug testing becomes a quick, easy, and hassle-free process.

Local centers offer flexibility in testing schedules.
Access to nationwide centers ensures consistency in service.

This makes the process more manageable for both employers and individuals.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our hair follicle testing in Dunseith, ND, boasts a simple and confidential process, ensuring ease of use and privacy for all participants.

The ordering process is straightforward and confidential.
Tests are conducted with privacy in mind.
Receiving results is both secure and discreet.

This ensures participants' privacy is respected throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Dunseith, ND, we provide affordable pricing for our hair follicle testing services, ensuring they are accessible to companies of various sizes.

Our competitive pricing structures offer excellent value.
Fast turnaround times ensure results are delivered promptly.
This ensures businesses are not just investing in testing but also peace of mind.

Our services meet both budgetary and timing needs of our clients.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Dunseith, ND, are lauded for their precision and speed. These tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, ensuring the detection of substance use is both efficient and detailed.

The accuracy of hair tests surpasses that of traditional tests.
Results are processed swiftly for timely review.
This ensures confidence in the results provided.

Employers and individuals can trust the integrity and comprehensive results of hair follicle tests. The quick processing times ensure timely interventions or decisions can be made, without compromising on accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For businesses in Dunseith, ND, hair follicle tests ensure compliance with drug-free policies, fostering workplace safety and providing peace of mind for employers.