Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a formidable method for spotting drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer about a 3-month window for detection of alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of around 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, supplementary testing, and/or when exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable portion of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in a laboratory involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any extra data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system is entered.
Screening performs an initial, rapid check for substance abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive results will require confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives in Screening need further confirmation.
If during the Screening stage a sample is presumptively positive, additional hair is collected from the original specimen and is prepped for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (for instance, urine or oral fluid), which is a reason why hair drug screening presents high complexity.
Any positive results from screening proceed to Confirmation, done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and through accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In White Earth, ND, hair follicle tests are superior to urine tests in multiple ways. While urine tests provide short-term data, hair analysis offers a longer detection timeline, capturing up to 90 days of substance usage. This extended analysis is appreciated among employers seeking thorough insights.
Hair tests are less prone to manipulation compared to traditional urine tests, making them a more reliable choice. This increased accuracy secures employers against lapses in detecting drug usage, maintaining safety and compliance efficiently.
In White Earth, ND, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional methods by detecting substance use over a prolonged timeframe, reaching up to 90 days. This expanded window offers a profound insight into an individual’s usage patterns, providing a comprehensive assessment for employers.
Identifying drugs over an extended period, hair testing is crucial for companies, offering a broader review of an applicant or employee's history, thereby enhancing hiring decisions and maintaining diligence in the workforce.
Hair follicle testing in White Earth, ND, significantly reduces the chance of tampering compared to other methods. The difficulty of altering hair samples ensures the integrity of drug test results, providing stakeholders with dependable outcomes.
This method's resistance to adulteration presents a stark contrast to urine tests, securing the accuracy and reliability that employers and legal professionals depend on to enforce non-tolerance policies effectively.
In White Earth, ND, our expansive network of testing centers, including nationwide locations, ensures convenient access to efficient drug testing services. This widespread availability simplifies the process for businesses and individuals needing quick results.
Local centers alleviate the hassle of extended travel, offering a swift and stress-free testing experience that fits into busy schedules, contributing to a seamless and accessible service for all clientele.
The hair follicle testing process in White Earth, ND, is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy maintained at every step. From scheduling a test to obtaining results, our streamlined procedures prioritize user-friendly experiences.
This commitment to confidentiality addresses privacy concerns for individuals and companies, efficiently managing drug testing requirements while maintaining discretion throughout the process.
In White Earth, ND, our hair follicle testing services boast affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, proving to be valuable for companies regardless of their size. Competitive rates make participating in rigorous screening programs feasible.
Timely results from our efficient processes assist businesses in operating without prolonged delays, reinforcing our commitment to offering economic and dependable testing solutions that provide peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests in White Earth, ND, provide fast and accurate results, distinguishing themselves in substance detection efficiency. The streamlined process ensures results are both swift and reliable, accommodating businesses and individuals alike.
Employing hair analysis enhances the credibility of results, as the method reliably detects a wider range of substances. This level of precision proves invaluable for maintaining standards and ensuring policy adherence.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in White Earth, ND, gives employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also enhances safety and productivity within the workplace.
The accuracy and long detection window of hair tests make them an essential tool for maintaining a secure environment, fostering trust and assurance among employers, employees, and clients alike.
