Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair naturally traps biomarkers within its strand fibers, offering a lengthy record of such usage. When strands are collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline for drugs and alcohol of up to about 3 months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch strand sample, roughly equating to 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil), can provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG, additional screenings, or over 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If head hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When "head hair" is mentioned, it specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a specimen into the laboratory’s system. This phase verifies if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While this method cost-effectively excludes drug usage in most samples, a "positive" screen must be substantiated to hold up in court. Samples with a "presumptive positive" result in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
In cases where a sample indicates "presumptive positive" in the Screening phase, additional hair is obtained from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most complex methodology to execute.
The validation of any preliminary positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as deemed necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards accredited to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McHenry, ND
Hair testing stands out by offering a robust detection timeline and increased reliability compared to urine tests. In McHenry, ND, many workplaces and entities trust hair testing because it consistently delivers more accurate insights into drug usage. While urine tests are limited in their detection period, hair tests can identify substance use up to 90 days, providing a clearer long-term view.
Extended Detection Window in McHenry, ND
With the ability to trace drug use over an extended duration, hair follicle testing in McHenry, ND, emerges as a superior tool for comprehensive evaluations. By detecting substances up to three months back, employers gain valuable insights into long-term drug habits, offering a clearer picture of an employee's or applicant's history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McHenry, ND
In McHenry, ND, hair follicle tests excel by vastly diminishing the prospects of sample manipulation. They deliver results that are both dependable and unquestionable, thanks to their resistant nature against common tampering tactics. Each test stands as a reliable safeguard for accurate and trustworthy outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McHenry, ND
Offering ease and accessibility, our network of testing centers nationwide ensures stress-free services for individuals and businesses in McHenry, ND. These centers provide rapid and efficient hair testing solutions, reinforcing our commitment to nationwide convenience and local presence.
Simple, Confidential Process in McHenry, ND
In McHenry, ND, the hair follicle testing process is streamlined to prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to obtaining results, every step is crafted for user ease, ensuring privacy is maintained throughout. This method addresses concerns regarding security while delivering efficient outcomes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McHenry, ND
McHenry, ND benefits from competitive pricing and swift result delivery in hair follicle testing. Our pricing structures offer great value, with quick turnarounds ensuring businesses can operate with confidence. This combination of affordability and speed addresses the needs of companies, large and small.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McHenry, ND.
Hair follicle drug tests are at the forefront of drug detection methods, boasting an unparalleled degree of precision. In McHenry, ND, these tests provide rapid and reliable results, surpassing traditional methods in identifying substance use. Their high sensitivity and quick turnaround ensure individuals and organizations receive dependable data promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McHenry, ND
Employers in McHenry, ND, opting for hair follicle testing foster a compliant and harmonious work environment. This approach significantly reduces legal vulnerabilities and underscores compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus ensuring regulatory standards are met and workplace safety is prioritized.
