Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands hold a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair results in up to a 3-month detection horizon for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for assays and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise utilizing a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. By ‘head hair,’ we mean scalp hair exclusively. ‘Body hair’ covers all other hair categories (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a specimen into the lab’s framework. This step verifies the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out a preliminary, fast assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to discount drug usage for the majority of specimens, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and set for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other processes (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex process to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often described as “hair follicle tests,†the examination itself scrutinizes the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Mercer, ND
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities and reliability. It provides a more comprehensive analysis due to its extensive detection window and is less susceptible to tampering, offering a more accurate representation of an individual's substance use history over time.
Extended Detection Window in Mercer, ND
One of the most compelling advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This enables employers to get a complete picture of an applicant's or employee's substance use history, which is vital for making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mercer, ND
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration and provide reliable, unquestionable results. The rigorous collection processes in place make altering or contaminating the sample nearly impossible, thus ensuring the integrity of the testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Centers in Mercer, ND
Our extensive network of testing centers across the country ensures accessibility and convenience. Whether you're in a big city or a small town like Mercer, ND, our efficient network makes it easy to access testing services quickly without any hassle.
Simple and Confidential Process in Mercer, ND
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is straightforward and confidential. From booking the test to obtaining the results, every step respects privacy and is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring a stress-free experience for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Rapid Results in Mercer, ND
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make our services a valuable option for businesses of all sizes. We emphasize affordability alongside quick and dependable results, offering excellent value while maintaining high-quality service standards.
Fast and Accurate Hair Follicle Testing in Mercer, ND
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed in providing results. With advanced technologies, these tests ensure high accuracy in detecting substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair testing is not only comprehensive but also quick, delivering reliable results promptly to facilitate decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mercer, ND
Opting for hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only helps in reducing legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety by providing a drug-free environment, giving peace of mind to employers and employees alike.
