Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a valuable method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (similar in girth to a #2 pencil) next to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest determining the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair only; body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of processing a sample into a laboratory’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, but a positive screen must be verified to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than with other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Any positive Screening result is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the guidance of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test, often misnamed as "hair follicle tests," actually analyzes the hair strand, not the subcutaneous follicle.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Spiritwood, ND, hair tests hold significant advantages. Hair testing offers better detection accuracy and reliability, catching substances that may go unnoticed in urine tests. This advanced detection method is reinforced by an observation process, providing employers with a drug testing method that aligns with zero-tolerance policies.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Spiritwood, ND, enables employers to view a comprehensive history of drug use up to 90 days before. This expansive period offers insights into an employee’s or applicant’s consistency in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle, an insight most other testing methods lack.
Hair follicle testing in Spiritwood, ND, presents a tamper-resistant option, reducing risks associated with sample alteration. By minimizing the chances of sample tampering or substitution, this method provides robust and unquestionable results that are essential for adhering to drug-free workplace policies.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures widespread convenience with its nationwide testing centers and local facilities in Spiritwood, ND. These ample locations make drug testing services accessible, facilitating an easy and expedient experience for all clients, accommodating their unique needs promptly without hassle.
Experiencing simplicity and confidentiality in hair follicle testing in Spiritwood, ND, eases concerns about privacy. The process of ordering, testing, and receiving results is secure and straightforward, ensuring personal data remains protected while delivering precise outcomes.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround, Accredited Drug Testing in Spiritwood, ND, delivers affordable solutions without compromising on quality. With efficient pricing structures, businesses of all sizes can rest assured they are receiving excellent value in drug testing services.
In Spiritwood, ND, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are able to detect substance use with high precision, outpacing traditional methods. The efficiency and accuracy ensure that clients obtain dependable results swiftly, playing a vital role in creating a drug-free environment in workplaces.
In Spiritwood, ND, employers find peace of mind with hair follicle testing for its compliance assurance with workplace drug policies. This method reduces legal risks significantly and fosters a safer, more secure work environment, helping companies maintain their reputation and employees' trust.
