Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record of long-term alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect hair, tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When specifying head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair includes all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis for a drug test result consists of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample initially undergoes processing to be logged into the laboratory’s system. This stage includes verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data documentation not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. It is a cost-efficient procedure to exclude drug use in most samples. However, a positive result in Screening requires further confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily found positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are then extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in New Town, ND is evident in its benefits.
Extended Detection Period in New Town, ND is a hallmark of hair follicle testing.
Resistant to Tampering hair follicle tests in New Town, ND offer a reliable testing method.
Convenient and Nationwide Testing Centers including New Town, ND offer ease of access.
Effortless and Confidential Experience in New Town, ND is central to our testing services.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Turnaround in New Town, ND define the value offered.
Fast and Accurate Outcomes in New Town, ND are assured with hair follicle drug assessments.
The high level of accuracy reduces the risk of false results, promoting trust and confidence among employers and individuals.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in New Town, ND are guaranteed with hair follicle testing.