Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug exposure by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair strand. When obtained close to the scalp, hair delivers up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and illicit substances. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the nearest point to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Use a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing of the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carrying out any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to hold in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Niobe, ND is simple: accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a much longer window of detection compared to urine tests, capturing substance use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests can only detect recent drug use.
The stability of the hair sample combined with observed collection methods reduces the risk of tampering or adulteration. This makes hair follicle testing a robust choice for employers requiring strict adherence to substance policies.
In Niobe, ND, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is invaluable. Where urine tests detect recent drug use, hair follicle tests cover up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history.
Employers benefit from the broad timeline hair follicle testing provides, gaining insight into patterns of behavior rather than just short-term use. This extensive view aids in making more informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Niobe, ND, greatly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration. The method of collection and analysis ensure that results are reliable and difficult to contest, giving companies the confidence in the integrity of the testing process.
With observed collections and the nature of hair itself, tampering becomes virtually impossible. As a result, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests in providing trustworthy and conclusive outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing's convenient nationwide locations, including those available in Niobe, ND, ensure easy access to hair follicle drug testing services. This network supports quick and hassle-free testing, accommodating multiple needs without logistical constraints.
Local testing centers mean individuals and companies can engage services without delay, benefiting from the professional and efficient structure of the nationwide system implemented by Accredited Drug Testing.
The process of hair follicle testing in Niobe, ND, is both simple and confidential. The methodical approach ensures ease from ordering to results, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Accredited Drug Testing's streamlined system ensures client confidentiality while maintaining a user-friendly experience, from scheduling appointments to receiving results—making it an accessible option for all involved.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in Niobe, ND provides companies with superb value. Accredited Drug Testing ensures affordability without compromising accuracy or speed.
For companies of various sizes, embracing this cost-effective service not only meets budgetary needs but also assures quick and dependable results, reinforcing business operations with excellent service value.
In Niobe, ND, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures that any substance use is quickly identified, making them a trustworthy choice for employers and individuals alike. These tests outperform others in detecting a wide range of substances.
Most noteworthy is the hair follicle test's rapid turnaround time. With state-of-the-art technology, this method delivers results more efficiently, providing peace of mind with its reliability in identifying drug use in a timely manner.
In Niobe, ND, the use of hair follicle drug testing contributes to compliance and peace of mind for employers. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, businesses minimize legal risks and enhance overall safety.
Employers can rest assured knowing that hair follicle testing provides comprehensive coverage and is a decisive tool in maintaining a safe, productive workplace environment, aligning with zero-tolerance stances against drug use.
