Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The detection of drug and alcohol consumption through hair testing is now recognized as an effective method. Hair documents a prolonged time frame of drug and alcohol exposure by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can reveal a detection range of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
Taking a 1.5-inch segment with roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests involving more than 10 panels, it is suggested to gather 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler's scale, weighing the sample is advised. If the scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered instead. "Head hair" implies reference to scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four primary stages are involved in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about integrating a sample into a lab's system. This process includes verifying whether the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning it a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any more data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical route to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive results necessitate confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples that presumptively test positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
When Screening yields a presumptively positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is among the toughest methodologies to execute.
Confirming any presumptively positive screen results is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The end-to-end lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle located below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Livona, ND, presents marked benefits over traditional urine tests.
It excels in detection accuracy, offering a more reliable measure of drug use patterns.
In Livona, ND, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, a feature traditional methods lack.
This broad span allows employers a detailed view of substance use history, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Livona, ND, are tamper-resistant, thereby significantly reducing chances of sample adulteration.
They provide reliable, unquestionable outcomes, ideal for sensitive situations where authenticity is paramount.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including in Livona, ND, accessing our services is hassle-free.
We provide easy access to testing facilities, ensuring a seamless experience for those requiring our services.
Our procedure in Livona, ND, for hair follicle testing emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality.
Ordering, sampling, and receiving results is a straightforward process designed for ease of use and privacy.
Our services in Livona, ND, feature competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, essential for businesses prioritizing efficiency.
By offering affordable options, we provide exceptional value across industries.
In Livona, ND, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, precise, and reliable results, standing out in their accuracy for detecting substance use.
The advanced testing technique ensures a high level of precision, making it a top choice for stringent testing requirements.
Known for swift outcomes, these tests provide accurate assessments, allowing for timely decision-making related to substance usage concerns, without compromising reliability or credibility.
Employers in Livona, ND, gain compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing.
Test data enhances adherence to drug-free workplace policies while diminishing legal risks.
Adopting this testing mitigates potential safety hazards.