Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug use. It captures a prolonged history of substance exposure by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When hair is sampled close to the scalp, it can offer approximately a three-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and conveniently transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for preliminary screening and confirmation. For EtG tests or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair means scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test sample involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial registration into the laboratory's workflow, including verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Though cost-effective for dismissing drug usage in most cases, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any presumptive positive in Screening necessitates a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are separated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging process.
Positive screening results require Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to Confirmation as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", this analysis evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Paul, AK Hair follicle testing offers multiple benefits over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine testing, hair analyses provide a broader window into an individual's drug use history. While urine tests detect recent substance use, they often fall short in providing a long-term view. This makes hair follicle tests indispensable for comprehensive assessment and policy enforcement.
Extended Detection Window in Saint Paul, AK Hair follicle tests stand out with their ability to identify drug usage over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window offers employers a thorough understanding of potential employees' substance histories, aiding in informed recruitment decisions and continuous monitoring of current staff.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint Paul, AK Another significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine or other traditional methods, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, providing employers with reliable and unquestionable results that contribute to maintaining integrity within the workplace.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saint Paul, AK With a network of testing centers spread across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access to its services. This extensive reach ensures that clients in Saint Paul and beyond can effortlessly participate in drug testing programs, benefitting from quick and hassle-free processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Paul, AK Ordering and obtaining hair follicle test results are streamlined and confidential, encouraging individuals to engage with the process without concerns over privacy. This simplicity ensures that clients experience ease and security throughout their testing journey, right from collection to result reception.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Paul, AK Our competitive pricing structures combined with rapid turnaround times reinforce the value we offer to businesses. By ensuring cost-effectiveness and speedy results delivery, companies can maintain operational efficiency and peace of mind knowing that their testing procedures are both budget-friendly and expeditious.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Paul, AK Hair follicle drug tests are known for their high precision and swift results. The ability to produce accurate assessments quickly makes them a valuable tool for organizations seeking to maintain a drug-free environment. Their reliability surpasses other methods, ensuring that any substance abuse is confidently identified and addressed.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Paul, AK Deploying hair follicle drug tests helps employers adhere to stringent drug-free workplace policies. This adherence not only minimizes legal risk but also fosters a secure and productive work environment, where the possibility of accidents due to substance use is greatly reduced.
