Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within its growing strands. Collected near the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments above 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair only, as body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is incorporated into a lab's database. This process confirms proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for illicit drugs. While it's a cost-efficient way to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs validation to be court-admissible. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for further preparation in the Extraction phase. At this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is notably challenging.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive from Screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete lab process is reviewed for compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing. In Garrison, ND, hair testing outshines traditional urine methods by offering superior detection capabilities. It provides more extended detection windows and increased reliability, making it an ideal choice for stringent substance use policies.
Extended Detection Window. Hair follicle tests in Garrison, ND, provide a lengthy detection span, up to 90 days. This extends insights into an individual's substance usage history, making it an invaluable resource for employers evaluating current or potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method. Conducting hair follicle tests in Garrison, ND, substantially reduces the potential for sample tampering. The observed collection and processing ensure that the results remain authentic and reliable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations. Our extensive testing network reaches Garrison, ND, ensuring accessible and hassle-free services. Our numerous centers facilitate quick and efficient testing, offering peace of mind and convenience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process. In Garrison, ND, hair follicle testing ensures a straightforward and discreet experience. The process for arranging tests, undertaking them, and receiving the results addresses concerns about privacy, enhancing user comfort and satisfaction.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround. Our drug testing services in Garrison, ND, boast competitive pricing and prompt result delivery. This combination provides excellent value, making it accessible for businesses of varying sizes without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results. Hair follicle testing in Garrison, ND, offers precision and swift results, with unmatched accuracy in substance detection. The methodology ensures comprehensive scrutiny and provides dependable outcomes that aid in making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers. Adopting hair follicle testing in Garrison, ND, helps employers maintain drug-free work environments. It enhances compliance with workplace regulations, reduces legal exposure, and fosters a safer workplace.
