Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair acts as a timeline, capturing biomarkers in the strands as the hair grows. When taken near the scalp, it can offer a window of detection for up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) taken closest to the scalp will result in 100mg, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term "head hair" solely refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a lab drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample first enters the lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for abusive substances. While it's a low-cost method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, any positive screening must be confirmed for court credibility. Presumptive positives from Screening need further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive, additional hair is retrieved from the main sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Every presumptive sample is cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The total lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gascoyne, ND
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its high level of detection accuracy and reliability, especially when compared to standard urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a longer detection period, making it more difficult for individuals to manipulate the results. This feature makes hair testing an invaluable tool for maintaining strict compliance with drug-free workplace environments.
Extended Detection Window in Gascoyne, ND
One of the most compelling advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which stretches up to 90 days. This broad window of detection allows employers to form a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, which is crucial for making informed hiring decisions and ensuring a safe work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gascoyne, ND
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method of testing that significantly reduces the risk of sample manipulation. The integrity of a hair sample minimizes the possibility of interference, ensuring accurate and reliable results that can be trusted without question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gascoyne, ND
With a network of nationwide testing centers, we ensure easy access to our services. Whether you're in bustling urban areas or more remote regions like Gascoyne, ND, our locations make drug testing readily accessible, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gascoyne, ND
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential from start to finish. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results is a streamlined experience, maintaining privacy and reducing stress for participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gascoyne, ND
Our competitive pricing paired with expedient turnaround times offers excellent value. Companies of varying sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions without sacrificing the quality or speed of results, making it a beneficial choice for all.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gascoyne, ND
Our hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and precision. Delivering rapid and trustworthy results, these tests are highly effective in identifying substance use, providing enhanced confidence in the outcomes. This ensures that businesses and individuals receive dependable data for crucial decision-making.
The advanced methodology employed guarantees detailed and extensive substance detection capabilities. The reliability of our tests is a hallmark of our service in Gascoyne, ND, and underscores our commitment to precision and dependability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gascoyne, ND
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace helps ensure adherence to drug-free policies, thus mitigating legal risks. The reassurance that comes with knowing employees have been tested accurately fosters a secure and productive work environment, benefiting both employers and the workforce.