Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands store a prolonged record of alcohol and substances by encapsulating biomarkers within their fibers during growth. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate detection span of three months for alcohol and other substances. Harvesting hair is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen of about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid check for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are suggestively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this process, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and under accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis assesses the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In New Salem, ND, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests with its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses can identify drug use over a prolonged period, offering a more comprehensive view. Enhanced accuracy makes it favored by employers, reducing the possibility of false negatives that are more common with urine testing.
Employers seeking a thorough evaluation of potential employees prefer hair testing. Unlike urine tests that only detect recent drug use, hair testing reveals substance use over months, ensuring greater reliability. The technique's resilience to tampering further underscores its superiority in rigorous drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in New Salem, ND, extends detection capabilities, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history. This extended window provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance habits. Unlike standard tests, this method displays a prolonged history, crucial for accurate assessments.
With a reach of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing stands out for its long-term detection potential. Employers benefit from a wider scope, enabling better hiring decisions. This prolonged window sheds light on an applicant's substance use over time, adding to the evaluation process's thoroughness.
In New Salem, ND, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. The difficulty in altering hair specimens ensures uncompromised results, making it a reliable choice. This robustness diminishes the risk of sample manipulation, safeguarding the integrity of the data obtained.
The design of hair follicle tests inherently prevents adulteration, a common issue with traditional testing. The reliability of the method, owing to its resilience against tampering, reassures stakeholders of its validity. Its safeguard properties mark it as the trusted method in precise drug testing scenarios.
Convenience is paramount with Accredited Drug Testing's expansive network, including New Salem, ND. Our nationwide reach ensures quick access to testing services, streamlining the process for individuals and organizations. The availability of local centers makes visits hassle-free, facilitating prompt services.
New Salem residents benefit from easy access to testing centers, making the drug testing process efficient. Nationwide locations offer flexibility, accommodating varying schedules and minimizing disruptions. This widespread presence underscores our dedication to accessible and practical drug testing solutions.
In New Salem, ND, the process of hair follicle testing with Accredited Drug Testing is straightforward and confidential. Our simple ordering method, coupled with discreet specimen collection, ensures privacy and comfort. This clearly defined procedure enhances user experience while maintaining confidentiality.
The confidentiality of results is paramount. Our streamlined process reassures clients of privacy concerning their data. From order to result dispatch, the process is designed with simplicity in mind, maximizing ease of use and minimizing stress for all involved.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing on hair follicle testing in New Salem, ND, without compromising quality. Our competitive rates, paired with rapid turnaround, provide excellent value, catering to companies regardless of size. This affordability is a key feature, drawing in diverse clientele.
The quick turnaround in results complements our pricing, ensuring prompt information delivery. Efficiency is a hallmark, benefiting businesses by providing timely insights while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Our commitment to affordability supports sustainable and ongoing testing practices.
At Accredited Drug Testing in New Salem, ND, we prioritize speed and precision. Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use. Fast and reliable, the methodology ensures timely results, supporting informed decisions. Unlike traditional methods, hair analysis remains consistent in its precision, making it a preferred choice.
Fast processing leads to prompt results without compromising accuracy. Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to deliver clear and definitive outcomes, essential for critical assessments. This precision enhances the reliability of the examination process, providing confidence in the results.
For employers in New Salem, ND, adopting hair follicle testing brings peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The robust method enhances safety, minimizing legal liabilities, and maintaining high workplace standards. Such stringent testing supports organizational integrity and security.
Compliance is key, and hair follicle testing ensures adherence to industry regulations. Employers find assurance in knowing they are meeting legal requirements while maintaining a safe environment. Peace of mind stems from confidence in the testing method's accuracy and reliability, vital for business operations.