Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized extensively, hair testing serves as an efficient means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and can be shipped with ease.
A 1.5-inch sample comprised of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation procedures. For tests like EtG, additional panels, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair are specific to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, samples are initially processed into a lab’s system, encompassing confirmation of proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data tasks not covered by electronic custody systems.
In the Screening phase, an initial assessment for drug presence is conducted. Though a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal scenarios. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen tests presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is isolated from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted at far lower concentrations from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleaned as required. Each aspect of the laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Petersburg, ND
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests, standing out for its reliability. Employers favor this method as it provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history over several months, rather than just days, as with urine tests.
Benefits of Hair Testing Over Urine Tests
Extended Detection Window in Petersburg, ND
Hair follicle testing is advantageous due to its expansive detection window. Spanning up to 90 days, this testing method offers employers an in-depth view of an individual’s drug use history, enhancing decision-making.
Comprehensive Substance Use Monitoring
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Petersburg, ND
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. This reliability ensures that test results remain unquestionable, making them a preferred choice for stringent drug testing requirements.
Ensuring Reliable Results
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Petersburg, ND
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Petersburg, ND, allows individuals to access testing services effortlessly. This ensures a quick and easy process for all testing needs.
Nationwide and Local Accessibility
Simple, Confidential Process in Petersburg, ND
Ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential. This ensures that frequently expressed concerns regarding privacy and ease of use are addressed effectively.
Effortless and Private Testing Experience
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Petersburg, ND
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our services offer remarkable value for businesses of various sizes.
Value and Efficiency in Drug Testing
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Petersburg, ND
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests make them an ideal choice for detecting substance use. These tests are highly accurate, ensuring reliable data for employers making crucial hiring and retention decisions.
Precision of Hair Follicle Drug Tests
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Petersburg, ND
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks.
Benefits of Compliance