Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection duration of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair is absent, the equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When referring to head hair, this pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be admissible in legal proceedings. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the existing specimen for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a notably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why choose hair over urine testing in Edgeley, ND? The advantages of hair testing are compelling. Hair follicle screens boast superior detection capabilities, allowing them to track substance use over extended periods. While urine tests may detect recent drug use, hair analyses capture a broader substance history, making them more reliable. Thus, for enduring detection accuracy, hair testing is the preferred choice.
In Edgeley, ND, understanding an individual's substance use history is crucial. Hair follicle tests are designed with this in mind, offering a prolonged detection span of up to 90 days. This extended window provides a holistic view of potential substance abuse, helping employers make well-informed decisions. With such comprehensive insights, hair testing rises above other methods, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Edgeley's hair follicle tests stand as a fortress against tampering. Unlike other testing methods prone to adulteration, hair samples are inherently resistant to manipulation. This reliability ensures that results remain untainted, upholding the integrity of the screening process. For employers and officials alike, this unwavering accuracy instills confidence in the results obtained.
Edgeley, ND residents benefit from the vast network of testing locations available nationwide. With numerous centers, accessing testing services is both quick and convenient. This widespread coverage minimizes travel times and reduces hassle, ensuring that individuals and employers can seamlessly incorporate testing into their schedules. Such convenience further amplifies the testing process.
The process for hair follicle testing in Edgeley, ND is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, each step is simplified for user ease. Privacy remains a top priority, and we ensure all procedures respect client confidentiality. So, whether an individual or employer, the testing journey is hassle-free, instilling trust throughout the process.
In Edgeley, ND, hair follicle tests are both cost-effective and efficient. With competitive pricing models, they offer exceptional value, particularly when coupled with quick turnaround times. This affordability makes it accessible for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive excellent value for reliable testing. Thus, companies gain quality results without breaking the bank.
In Edgeley, ND, the agility and accuracy of hair follicle tests provide unparalleled benefits. These tests excel at detecting substance use due to their precision. Unlike traditional tests, hair specimen assessments detect a broad range of substances and offer rapid results. By choosing hair follicle testing, individuals receive swift and reliable outcomes, ensuring decisions can be made quickly and with high confidence.
For employers in Edgeley, ND, maintaining a drug-free environment is paramount. Hair follicle testing supports this mission by guaranteeing compliance with stringent drug policies. The rigorous screening offers additional peace of mind by minimizing legal challenges and enhancing workplace safety. By integrating hair testing, companies reinforce their commitment to a secure and compliant workplace.