Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of these substances by embedding biomarkers in its fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those beyond 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The critical steps in processing a drug test at the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s framework, ensuring that it was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any necessary data input that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While this is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be acceptable in a judicial context. Samples marked as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are drawn out from the hair at concentrations much less than other procedures (like urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
For all positive screening results, Confirmation is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the complete laboratory process adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Fingal, ND, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. It boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests identify drug use over a longer period, making them more insightful for employers and law enforcement. While urine tests are limited to recent use, hair analysis provides a broader substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Fingal, ND, ensures a longer detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This allows employers to gather an extensive account of potential substance abuse in applicants or employees. By offering such comprehensive insights, organizations gain a valuable tool for screening that surpasses other methods.
As a testament to reliability in Fingal, ND, hair follicle testing minimizes the chance of sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair methods significantly reduce sample adulteration risks, ensuring results remain beyond reproach. This degree of tamper resistance ensures that the results are both trustworthy and definitive.
Fingal, ND, benefits from the convenience of accredited testing centers across all states. Our nationwide presence ensures simple and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing. Local testing in Fingal allows for quick and easy examinations, accommodating the needs of both individuals and organizations alike.
With a focus on simplicity and confidentiality in Fingal, ND, the hair follicle testing process guarantees ease of use from order to results. Individuals are ensured of privacy throughout, addressing concerns surrounding the testing process. This discreet service empowers users to engage with the process without worries.
Fingal, ND, enjoys competitive pricing structures with rapid turnaround times on hair follicle testing. Our services deliver excellent value by combining cost-effectiveness with prompt result delivery. This model suits businesses of all sizes, providing affordable solutions alongside quality assurance and peace of mind.
In Fingal, ND, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed, ensuring fast and accurate results. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests detect substance use with a high degree of precision, delivering reliable insights into an individual's drug history. The methodology not only quickens the process but also guarantees certainty, helping streamline decision-making.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Fingal, ND, promotes compliance with workplace policies, provided employers a legal safeguard. The method supports drug-free environments, boosting safety while minimizing potential legal challenges. Employers can secure peace of mind, knowing they are adhering to standards and protecting their staff.
