Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now perceived as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug markers embedded within the hair fiber as it grows. Collecting hair near the scalp allows for a detection span of up to around three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, making it the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For additional EtG testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is ideal. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a proportionate amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" always refers explicitly to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test includes stages such as Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial sample is incorporated into the laboratory’s system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for drug presence. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug usage in most samples, any positive results need confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional verification.
If Screening indicates a sample is presumptively positive, further hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), underscoring why hair drug testing is among the more intricate approaches.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are used for confirming any positive screening outputs. Presumptive positive samples are washed before verification if needed. Each step from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While colloquially termed "hair follicle tests," the focus is on analyzing the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Hazelton, ND. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests provide a more detailed assessment. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to shorter detection windows, hair tests extend the overview up to 90 days, ensuring a comprehensive substance use profile.
Hair follicle testing in Hazelton, ND provides a remarkable advantage with its extended detection period. Capable of revealing drug use over the last 90 days, it grants employers a more comprehensive insight into candidates or current employees' substance history. This ensures an informed evaluation of substance use patterns.
The hair follicle testing method in Hazelton, ND excels in reducing sample adulteration risks. Its tamper-resistant nature provides reliable and undisputable outcomes, crucial for both employers and testing agencies. This decreases the likelihood of cheating, offering a trustworthy assessment of substance use.
Our testing centers are conveniently located nationwide, including local Hazelton, ND facilities. This extensive network ensures quick and easy access to testing services, eliminating hassle for those who need reliable drug testing solutions without unnecessary delays or travel.
The hair follicle testing process in Hazelton, ND is streamlined for ease and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure is straightforward and protects privacy. This ensures a stress-free experience for all parties involved, catering to those who prioritize discreet service.
In Hazelton, ND, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced while ensuring fast turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value, reassuring companies of all sizes that they're receiving top-tier testing without compromising on speed or budget concerns.
In Hazelton, ND, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle tests stand out. These tests are highly accurate in detecting substance use, offering reliable results that ensure peace of mind for stakeholders. The methodology is designed to deliver fast outcomes, without sacrificing precision, making them a preferred choice for detecting drugs.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Hazelton, ND ensures compliance with workplace drug-free regulations. By adopting these tests, employers significantly diminish legal risks while enhancing the safety and integrity of their work environment, achieving both compliance and peace of mind.
