Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption has grown. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. By gathering hair close to the scalp, it is possible to detect substances over a span of about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, comprising roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) at the scalp, provides 100mg, which is ideal for initial and confirmatory testing. For testing EtG, additional screening, or more than ten panels, 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory procedure comprises four principal phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a specimen into a lab’s system, ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any extra data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for detecting drug abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to rule out drug use in the majority of samples, positive findings must be verified to be admissible in legal contexts. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations far lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most challenging testing method.
Validation of any positive Screen is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle from beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Paul, AR
In comparing hair and urine tests, hair testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy. Hair follicle tests capture drug usage over a longer window, providing reliable results. This makes them highly advantageous for thorough screening processes in Saint Paul, enhancing detection accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Saint Paul, AR
Hair follicle testing is notable for its extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. This lengthy detection period is invaluable for employers in Saint Paul seeking in-depth insight into potential or current employees' drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint Paul, AR
One of the key strengths of hair follicle tests lies in their tamper-resistant nature. The tests are designed to mitigate the risk of adulteration, ensuring authenticity and reliability of results. Employers in Saint Paul gain confidence from the robust, tamper-proof evidence that comes from hair testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saint Paul, AR
Our expansive network of testing centers guarantees straightforward access for those in need of services, nationwide and locally in Saint Paul. Easy access ensures a quick, convenient, and hassle-free process, catering to various needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Paul, AR
The process of hair follicle testing at our Saint Paul centers is straightforward and secure. With an emphasis on privacy, clients can confidently order, take, and receive results. This simplicity and confidentiality assure peace of mind for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Paul, AR
We offer competitive pricing structures complemented by swift turnaround times, presenting excellent value across different company sizes. This combination ensures affordability without compromising quality or peace of mind for businesses in Saint Paul.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Paul, AR
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed, providing dependable and prompt results. Their high accuracy makes these tests indispensable for identifying substance use quickly and with confidence. Employers in Saint Paul benefit from the assurance of effective monitoring of drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Paul, AR
Adopting hair follicle testing in the workplace enables employers in Saint Paul to uphold drug-free policies. This practice aids in reducing legal liabilities, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety. The peace of mind from reliable compliance is priceless for businesses of all sizes.
