Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. The hair encapsulates a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair strands as they grow. If taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month history of alcohol and drug exposure. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of around 200 hair strands (equivalent in size to a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning describes the initial onboarding of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step encompasses checking the sample's proper sealing and transport, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical strategy to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be validated for legal admissibility. All samples that indicate potential positivity in Screening demand a follow-up Confirmation.
If Screening flags a sample as tentatively positive, an additional collection of hair from the original specimen is readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), reinforcing why hair drug screening is the most intricate method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive undergo washing before Confirmation as needed. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformity to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test targets the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
When it comes to detecting substances, hair follicle tests in Sykeston, ND, clearly outperform traditional urine tests. A significant advantage of hair testing is its extended detection window, which can outline an individual's substance history over several months.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests provide superior detection capabilities with fewer opportunities for tampering. This method offers employers a reliable means to ensure a drug-free workplace, reinforcing zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Hair follicle tests in Sykeston, ND, offer an impressive window of detection lasting up to 90 days. This extended period enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history, enhancing the employment screening process.
This extended detection capability proves invaluable in assessing long-term substance use, distinguishing hair testing from other drug testing methods that offer a much shorter detection period, like those that rely solely on urine analysis.
In Sykeston, ND, hair follicle testing is a preferred method due to its substantial resistance to tampering. This testing method ensures that the results obtained are reliable and difficult to challenge.
The secure nature of hair testing diminishes the likelihood of altering samples. This greatly enhances the integrity of the results, making it a trustworthy option for those who require absolute accuracy in substance testing.
With numerous testing centers across the nation, including Sykeston, ND, access to drug testing services has never been more convenient. Our facilities ensure prompt and easy testing, minimizing any hassle for individuals and organizations alike.
The widespread availability of our testing locations provides seamless accessibility, catering to the needs of clients nationwide who require swift testing solutions.
Our hair follicle testing process in Sykeston, ND, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, privacy and ease of use are at the forefront of service delivery.
The seamless process ensures privacy without compromising comfort and simplicity. Clients can trust that their personal information is handled with the utmost discretion, making for a stress-free testing experience.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid result turnover, our hair follicle testing services in Sykeston, ND, deliver exceptional value for businesses of any size. The affordability combined with fast processing ensures peace of mind when it comes to managing substance testing budgets.
This cost-effectiveness does not compromise the quality or speed of service, ensuring that clients receive superior testing without unexpected costs or delays.
In Sykeston, ND, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their rapid and precise results, leaving little room for errors. They boast high accuracy when it comes to identifying substance use, making them an ideal choice for those requiring fast and dependable testing methods.
The efficiency of hair follicle tests allows individuals and organizations to obtain reliable results promptly, reducing waiting times and enhancing decision-making processes. These tests offer a blend of speed and precision that is difficult to match.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Sykeston, ND, provides employers with confidence in maintaining drug-free workplace policies. This testing method aligns with regulatory compliance, thereby reducing legal risks associated with substance use.
Employers benefit from the certainty that hair follicle testing brings, with accurate results contributing to safer and more secure working environments. This facilitates peace of mind for both staff and management.