Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is increasingly recognized as an effective means of detecting substance use. Hair can reveal a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When trimmed close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will produce 100mg, which is the optimum sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or more extensive panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. The term "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair variations (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase entailing the inclusion of a sample into the lab's system. It involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional manual data adjustments absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial substance abuse inspection. Though Screening is economical and efficient for most samples, any positive screening requires confirmation to be deemed court-acceptable. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a screening be presumptively positive, additional hair from the original sample is extracted and prepared for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive screen result undergoes Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positives are carefully washed preceding confirmation when necessary. The entirety of the lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is subject to review per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North River, ND, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests due to superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests cover a longer detection window and are difficult to cheat, providing more consistent results. If reliability in drug detection is vital, consider hair testing for your needs.
Hair follicle testing in North River, ND, allows employers to see an extended drug use history. With a detection period of up to 90 days, it gives an in-depth view of an individual's substance usage patterns, proving invaluable when evaluating potential or current employees.
One of the strongest advantages of hair follicle testing in North River, ND, is its resistance to tampering. This method of drug testing greatly reduces the opportunity for sample adulteration, ensuring that the results you receive are authentic and reliable without any manipulation.
In North River, ND, we provide convenient options with both nationwide and local testing locations. Our centers offer quick and easy access, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for anyone needing a drug test. Take advantage of this accessibility to meet your testing needs efficiently.
The hair follicle testing process in North River, ND, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process is simple and respects your privacy, making it as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround make hair follicle testing in North River, ND, a cost-effective choice. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value, while our quick results deliver peace of mind, no matter the size of your company or organization.
Hair follicle drug tests in North River, ND, offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are known for their high precision in detecting substance use, providing trustworthy outcomes quickly. Their speed and precision make them a preferred choice for those seeking certainty in drug screening processes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in North River, ND, helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this method, you reduce legal risks and enhance safety, leading to peace of mind and a more secure work environment for everyone involved.