Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a vital resource for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers in their fibers, providing a long-term record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
For optimal screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields around 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler's scale to measure the hair sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be provided. When we mention head hair, we are specific to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result laboratory processing involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched accurately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for courtroom viability. Samples indicating presumptive positives during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
For any sample labeled as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, an additional portion of hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting substances from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the toughest procedure to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation gets reviewed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Superiority of Hair Testing
In Drake, ND, hair follicle drug tests substantially outperform conventional urine tests. They showcase superior detection capabilities and offer an unparalleled window for monitoring past substance use. Unlike urine tests, which detect only recent use, hair follices provide a more extended checkpoint, ensuring a reliable and comprehensive analysis of substance use history.
A Broader Detection Lens
The beauty of hair follicle testing in Drake, ND, is its ability to uncover drug use over much longer durations. This method extends up to 90 days, unlike limited urine screenings. Such a prolonged detection frame provides employers a more detailed perspective of an individual's past drug use, ensuring informed decisions based on comprehensive test outcomes.
Guarding Against Tampering
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Drake, ND, is its resistance to adulteration. Unlike other testing methods, this process makes it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the sample, ensuring that the results are both reliable and indisputable. Employers and authorities rely on this robust analysis for unbiased outcomes.
Access and Convenience Nationwide
The presence of extensive testing facilities across the nation, including Drake, ND, provides unparalleled convenience for individuals requiring drug tests. This network ensures a seamless experience, from scheduling to test completion. Accessible locations make the process quick and hassle-free for both employers and individuals alike.
Privacy and Ease Ensure Satisfaction
In Drake, ND, the hair follicle testing entails a straightforward and confidential process. From test initiation to results delivery, participants experience assured privacy and simplicity. This ease addresses any concerns, providing peace of mind throughout each step of the testing journey, gaining trust in its confidentiality and approachability.
Affordable and Prompt Solutions
Attractive pricing and swift results define hair follicle testing in Drake, ND. Firms of all sizes benefit from competitive costs coupled with rapid turnaround times, ensuring they receive excellent value. This combination caters to varying budgets while prioritizing superior service and reliability in drug testing.
Swift, Precise, and Trustworthy
Drake, ND benefits from the sophisticated hair follicle drug testing method offering unparalleled precision in detecting substance use. These tests are lauded for their rapid processing and high accuracy, ensuring that individuals subjected to testing receive dependable results quickly. The hair follicle approach not only saves time but also promotes trust in the findings.
Compliance and Security for Employers
Employers in Drake, ND find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring they are aligned with workplace drug-free mandates. By using this method, companies reduce legal risks while bolstering safety standards. It fosters a secure and compliant work environment, protecting not just the organization but also its valued employees.
