What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the strand grows. When hair is clipped near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of nearly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, specialized tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "Body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is logged into the lab’s system. This step confirms that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial swift evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug presence in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is required for judicial acceptance. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

If Screening indicates a sample is tentatively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair testing's complexity.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair testing can identify drug use up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection span of urine tests.
Increased difficulty in tampering: Hair drug tests are hard to falsify, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
Historical usage pattern: Hair tests can illustrate a drug use timeline, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

Inability to identify recent usage: Detectable drugs in hair require approximately 5-7 days.
Expense: Hair drug tests usually incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence metabolite concentrations.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, but the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests demonstrate significant advantages over urine testing in Parshall, ND.

Longer detection window
Greater accuracy in identifying substances
Higher reliability and confidence in results

Traditional urine tests fall short of offering the detailed substance history that the hair analysis can provide, making hair tests the preferred choice for many employers and legal bodies.

Extended Detection Window

In Parshall, ND, hair follicle testing provides an extended window for drug detection, up to 90 days. This period offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.

Long-term insight into drug use patterns
Helps gauge an applicant's past behavior
Assists in maintaining workplace safety

This extended detection period places hair testing well ahead of shorter-term methods like urine testing.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Parshall, ND is its tamper-resistant nature. Adulteration risks are significantly minimized

Reliable verdicts free of interference
Observed sample collection process
Enhanced security over urine tests

The trustworthy outcomes ensure that the results remain unquestionable and reliable for both employers and testing agencies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our Parshall, ND locations and beyond offer convenient access to hair follicle testing nationwide.

Quick and easy testing center access
Streamlined testing processes
Minimal hassle for clients

Our national presence guarantees hassle-free service, ensuring that testing needs are met with ease and proficiency for all stakeholders.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Parshall, ND, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential.

Order tests easily
Seamless testing experience
Fast and secure result delivery

The process addresses privacy concerns, ensuring that individuals receive confidential and efficient service tailored to their requirements while maintaining ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our pricing in Parshall, ND for hair follicle testing is competitive and budget-friendly.

Excellent value across test offerings
Prompt result turnaround times
Financially accessible for businesses

Competitive pricing and fast turnarounds position our services as the go-to choice for cost-effective and reliable testing solutions for companies of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The speed and precision of hair follicle drug testing are unmatched in Parshall, ND. Fast and reliable results ensure that substance use detection is not only thorough but also delivered swiftly.