Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a powerful method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand during its growth. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection window for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick examination for drug abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, any positive screen must undergo confirmation to be acceptable in court. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows signs of positivity in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Lincoln, ND, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its extensive detection capabilities and superior accuracy. While urine tests are traditional, the ability of hair tests to detect substance use reliably over a longer period makes it the preferred choice for many. Employers seeking to implement rigorous drug-free policies rely on hair tests to provide enhanced scrutiny and trustworthy results.
One of the significant merits of hair follicle drug testing in Lincoln, ND, is its extended detection window, stretching up to 90 days. This characteristic provides employers with a detailed insight into an individual’s substance use over three months, offering a comprehensive view into their historical drug use, which urine tests cannot match.
Hair follicle testing in Lincoln, ND, is virtually tamper-proof, offering a dependable alternative to traditional testing methods. Due to its inherent robustness against adulteration attempts, it provides results that stakeholders can trust, significantly reducing the risks associated with sample tampering and enhancing confidence in the outcomes.
In Lincoln, ND, the accessibility of testing centers is a key advantage. With a network of nationwide locations, individuals and businesses can benefit from seamless and easily accessible testing services. This convenience ensures that the testing process is quick, simplifying access to essential services without unnecessary hassle.
The hair follicle testing process in Lincoln, ND, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes user privacy, ensuring a stress-free and transparent experience. This approach eases any concerns about privacy while maintaining a high standard of confidentiality throughout the process.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Lincoln, ND, provides excellent value for companies of any size. With budget-friendly options and quick results, businesses can ensure comprehensive testing without breaking the bank, maintaining high standards at an affordable cost.
The efficiency and accuracy of hair follicle drug testing in Lincoln, ND, are unparalleled. These tests deliver rapid, reliable results, identifying substance use with high precision. Their capability to detect even minute traces makes them an essential tool for anyone requiring quick and dependable drug testing outcomes, ensuring high standards of accuracy are maintained.
Employers in Lincoln, ND, can gain compliance and tranquility with hair follicle testing. These tests support adherence to maintaining drug-free workplaces, decreasing potential legal challenges, and fostering a safer working environment. By choosing reliable and comprehensive testing methods, businesses can uphold their policies without compromise.
