Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Westhope, ND

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair offers a long-term perspective on alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within roughly a 3-month timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

An ideal sample for screening and confirmation consists of a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately as thick as a #2 pencil), which provides about 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, body hair in equivalent volume may be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test entails four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was secured and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While this stage is a cost-effective means to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive result requires further validation to stand up in court. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening methodology.

Confirmation of positive Screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can indicate drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: The accuracy of hair drug tests is enhanced by their resistance to tampering.
• Reveals usage trends: It provides insights into patterns of drug use over time, rather than just recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot detect recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to manifest in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Variances in factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine methods offers numerous advantages in Westhope, ND. Hair tests beat urine tests in detection accuracy, detecting substances long after the urine test fails. Superior accuracy makes it the preferred choice for employers and courts when zero-tolerance policies are in place.

The reliability of hair testing stems from its ability to capture a wide detection window, which is a significant drawback of urine tests. Inconsistencies in urine sample results often lead to questions of validity, whereas hair tests provide solid evidence of past substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Westhope, ND, offers an extended detection period, sometimes up to 90 days. This robust detection window allows employers a more accurate picture of an employee or applicant's substance use history.

By covering a substantial period, hair testing offers a comprehensive overview that simple urine tests cannot achieve. Employers benefit from knowing not just recent drug use, but a longer history, ensuring a safer workplace environment, compliant with their policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the most critical advantages of hair follicle testing in Westhope, ND, is its tamper-resistant nature. Sample adulteration risks are minimized, offering unquestionable results. Reliable testing methods ensure the integrity of results, providing confidence both legally and professionally.

Hair samples are hard to manipulate, unlike urine samples, where adulteration is more feasible. This makes hair tests the preferred choice for maintaining high levels of authenticity and trustworthiness.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing facilitates convenience with nationwide testing centers, offering swift and straightforward access in Westhope, ND. Whether seeking local or nationwide testing, we prioritize hassle-free services for users.

With a network of centers, gaining access to testing services is simplified. Convenient and effective solutions are just a step away, facilitated through our widespread center locations, making it all effortlessly accessible.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing ensures simplicity and confidentiality in Westhope, ND, from ordering to results delivery. Concerns of privacy are addressed at all stages, fostering confidence in the testing process.

The process is straightforward, with confidentiality paramount. This allows individuals to focus on the outcome without worrying about privacy violations, ensuring comfort and privacy throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing, Accredited Drug Testing provides affordable solutions with quick turnaround times in Westhope, ND. Companies are ensured exceptional value and peace of mind regardless of size.

The pricing strategy focuses on affordability while maintaining quality and efficiency. Through fast processes, results are delivered without delay, offering satisfaction at every level.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Accredited Drug Testing ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results in Westhope, ND, emphasizing the precision of hair follicle drug tests. The method's accuracy in identifying substance use is unparalleled, offering trustworthy insights. Accuracy and reliability are the core strengths of this testing method, providing dependable results right when needed.

The efficiency and speed with which results are processed further highlight the superior qualities of hair testing. With rapid results, individuals and employers in Westhope, ND, can make informed decisions swiftly, minimizing downtime and reinforcement of a drug-free environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Westhope, ND, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind, aligning with workplace drug-free policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, these tests support organizational goals efficiently.

Ensuring compliance through hair testing helps employers maintain a reputation as a responsible entity. Legal safeguards are solidified with efficient testing methods that back organizational policies robustly.

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