Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Watford City, ND

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair testing has emerged as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a detailed record of substance use over time by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal information on alcohol and drug usage over a span of up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

Collecting a 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp can provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process of obtaining a drug test result in a laboratory consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning process involves the initial entry of a sample into the laboratory system. This entails verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a distinct LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial, swift evaluation for the presence of substances of interest. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be accepted legally. Samples preliminarily identified as positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

When a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other techniques (for example, urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entirety of the laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection duration: Hair drug tests have the capacity to identify drug consumption for a period of up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which are limited to a shorter detection timeframe.
• Complexity to falsify: Hair drug tests are notoriously difficult to deceive, enhancing the credibility of the results.
• Delivers historical information: It can illustrate a sequence of drug consumption over a timeline, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: There is an estimated 5-7 day duration for drugs to be visible in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Attributes such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the presence of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing drug testing methods in Watford City, ND, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing in several ways. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, picking up drug traces over a longer span. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period, hair testing provides a more reliable insight into an individual's substance use history, making it a more dependable choice for employers and legal bodies.

Extended Detection Window

In Watford City, ND, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, observing drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive span gives employers a clearer window into an individual's past substance use, beyond immediate consumption, aiding in detailed evaluations of employees or candidates. It's an indispensable tool for those seeking long-term substance history insights.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Watford City, ND's reliance on hair follicle testing is partly due to its tamper-resistant nature. These tests greatly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, with the observed collection process ensuring genuine, reliable results. Such integrity in testing provides unquestionable accuracy, invaluable for maintaining strict compliance and trustworthy outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Watford City, ND, and beyond, our expansive nationwide network of testing locations provides unmatched convenience. With numerous centers available, accessing hair follicle testing services is swift and hassle-free, ensuring quick results suitable for any urgent need. This widespread availability underscores our commitment to providing excellent service accessibility.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Watford City, ND is both straightforward and confidential. From initial ordering to collection and receiving results, each step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use. This simplicity assures individuals of their confidentiality, reducing concerns while guaranteeing efficient handling of their testing necessities.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Watford City, ND benefits from competitive pricing and quick turnaround times with our hair follicle testing services. We offer affordable rates without compromising quality or speed, ensuring that businesses of any scale can access valuable drug testing solutions. This affordability guarantees peace of mind alongside excellent service value.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Watford City, ND, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast and precise results. These tests provide an accurate measure of substance use, delivering efficient outcomes essential for various situations. Their high level of reliability makes them a preferred choice for both immediate and long-term substance monitoring, offering a significant edge over other testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Watford City, ND, the inclusion of hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with workplace drug policies. Through robust detection and tamper-proof methodology, it reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind that aligns with drug-free workplace mandates. This commitment strengthens organizational integrity and security.

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