Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by encasing markers within the strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can present around a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing. For EtG, supplements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we are strictly referring to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all remaining hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test finding include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, generating a random LAN (Lab Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be corroborated to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that test positively in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests positively in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the main sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a much lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug testing the most intricate technique to conduct.
Verification of any positive Screening outcomes is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Surrey, ND
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers enhanced detection capabilities. With superior accuracy, it can identify drug use over an extended period, providing reliability that urine tests cannot match. In Surrey, ND, this makes hair testing a preferable choice for more comprehensive assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Surrey, ND
The hair follicle test's detection window stretches up to 90 days, capturing a more complete view of an individual's substance use history. For employers in Surrey, ND, this extended period offers a significant advantage, ensuring a detailed assessment of drug use over three months, unlike shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Surrey, ND
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. This method provides results that are both reliable and trustworthy, critical for maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures. In Surrey, ND, it ensures that the outcomes remain unchallenged and unassailable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Surrey, ND
Our extensive network of testing centers simplifies the drug testing process, offering unmatched convenience. In Surrey, ND, and beyond, quick and hassle-free access to testing services ensures that your testing needs are met with ease. Nationwide reach guarantees swift support wherever required.
Simple, Confidential Process in Surrey, ND
The hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, the system is designed to protect confidential information. In Surrey, ND, this ensures that privacy concerns are addressed, providing peace of mind and a user-friendly experience throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Surrey, ND
Competitive pricing combined with rapid turnaround times makes hair follicle testing economically feasible for companies of all sizes. In Surrey, ND, this blend of affordability and speed ensures that businesses can maintain high standards without breaking the budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Surrey, ND
Hair follicle testing delivers rapid and precise results. This method stands out in detecting substances with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring reliability in the detection of substance use. In Surrey, ND, this accuracy boosts confidence in the testing process, providing results that one can trust without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Surrey, ND
Hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks while fostering a safer work environment. In Surrey, ND, the assurance of compliance offers peace of mind, defending against potential liabilities and promoting overall safety in the workplace.