Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a detailed history of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within its growing fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the risk of tampering minimal, and shipping is efficient.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. 'Head hair' specifically denotes scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result generally involves four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, involving the integration of the sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample is appropriately sealed and transported, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a primary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is economical and excludes drug use in the majority of cases, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that screen positive require further confirmation testing.
Presumptive positives from the Screening phase lead to additional hair extraction for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive screens is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as per necessity. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Larimore, ND, hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. Enhanced detection accuracy makes hair testing superior, allowing for a more reliable assessment of substance use history.
With zero-tolerance policies in place, hair follicle tests are favored by many institutions due to their ability to uncover drug use history, which is crucial for workplace and legal compliance.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Larimore, ND, can reveal drug use over the past 90 days. This comprehensive view aids employers in evaluating potential hires or current employees effectively.
This method allows for a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment at work.
Hair follicle drug tests in Larimore, ND, significantly reduce the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results. The collection process is observed, which minimizes opportunities for tampering and guarantees the integrity of the sample.
This robust testing method provides consistent and trustworthy outcomes, free from manipulation concerns.
With nationwide testing centers, including those in Larimore, ND, accessing hair follicle testing is convenient and hassle-free. Quick and easy access to testing services ensures seamless experiences.
Our strategic locations allow for timely testing, benefitting individuals and employers seeking expedited results across the nation.
In Larimore, ND, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the process is straightforward while respecting privacy concerns.
This makes the procedure user-friendly and mitigates anxiety about confidentiality, ensuring users' information remains secure throughout.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Larimore, ND is designed to provide significant value. We cater to companies of all sizes, aiming to meet various financial constraints.
This cost-effective approach delivers peace of mind and ensures efficient processing of test results without delay.
In Larimore, ND, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, ensuring rapid and accurate results. This method excels in detecting substance use, providing confidence in the outcomes delivered.
The high accuracy of these tests makes them a preferred choice in substance detection, offering fast results with dependable precision, crucial for maintaining integrity in testing procedures.
In Larimore, ND, hair follicle testing supports employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing this method reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety.
Employers gain peace of mind through this reliable testing approach, which aligns with regulatory requirements and helps prevent potential workplace issues.