Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis stands as a formidable method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extensive timeline of substance usage by trapping unique identifiers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, it can indicate drug and alcohol use over a period of approximately 3 months. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp yields about 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation testing. For EtG, additional add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair is a suitable alternative. References to head hair in this context pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is entered into a laboratory’s workflow. This involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) at random, and completing any missing data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening conducts a swift preliminary check for illicit substances. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Presumptive positive results in Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a Screening result be presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair analysis a challenging process.
Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing where necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Washburn, ND, hair follicle tests stand out against traditional urine tests due to superior accuracy and constant reliability.
Urine tests offer a limited detection range, while hair tests reveal a more extensive history of drug use, setting a higher standard for detection.
Washburn, ND benefits immensely from the extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing, capturing drug use for up to 90 days.
This expansive window allows employers a broader view into an individual's substance habits, ensuring comprehensive employee evaluations.
Hair follicle testing in Washburn, ND is highly resistant to tampering, ensuring the integrity of results.
With significant reductions in adulteration risk, these tests present reliable outcomes, maintaining their accuracy and trustworthiness in the field.
Accredited Drug Testing provides a convenient network of testing centers across the nation, including in Washburn, ND.
Our strategically positioned locations guarantee quick and smooth access to testing services, streamlining the process for our clients.
In Washburn, ND, hair follicle testing is marked by straightforward and confidential procedures, reassuring those concerned with privacy.
Ordering, sampling, and receiving results are simplified, ensuring user-friendliness and confidentiality throughout the testing journey.
Washburn, ND benefits from our reasonable pricing and fast response times, making hair follicle testing accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Competitive pricing structures and prompt turnarounds contribute to excellent value, providing companies with cost-effective solutions.
In Washburn, ND, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision. The process offers swift results, accurately unveiling substance use.
Elevated detection accuracy ensures individuals are assessed rigorously. Hair tests invariably demonstrate their dependability, making them a top choice for testing.
Employers in Washburn, ND gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring they meet drug-free workplace regulations effectively.
This approach minimizes legal risks while maintaining a safe environment, facilitating adherence to company policies effortlessly.
