Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant tool in detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber, hair records an extended timeline of alcohol and other drug use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window stretching up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, collecting 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory system. This includes validating that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at a far lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Alexandria, MN, hair follicle testing emerges as a superior method over urine testing for several reasons. It not only showcases a robust detection accuracy but also offers a longer detection timeframe, making it a preferred choice for many
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Alexandria, MN delivers more reliable results. Its superior detection accuracy allows employers to make informed decisions regarding drug policy adherence.
With its extended detection window, hair follicle testing allows employers in Alexandria, MN to see up to 90 days of an employee or applicant’s substance use. This extended period provides a thorough history.
The long detection period of hair testing in Alexandria, MN enables companies to understand an individual’s drug use trends over time, rather than just at a single point.
Hair follicle tests in Alexandria, MN offer a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing. The difficulty in adulterating hair samples means results are reliable and unquestionable.
The risk of tampering is significantly minimized with hair tests in Alexandria, MN. This reliability means employers can trust in the accuracy and integrity of the results provided.
Accredited Drug Testing offers seamless access in Alexandria, MN, through our extensive network of nationwide and local testing centers, ensuring fast and convenient service.
With easily accessible testing locations in Alexandria, MN, attendees can quickly and efficiently obtain needed testing services, minimizing time and effort.
The hair follicle testing process in Alexandria, MN is straightforward and confidential. It ensures privacy, from booking to results which makes it trustworthy.
Our testing system in Alexandria, MN is designed to be user-friendly, respecting confidentiality through a smooth process from start to finish, reassuring individuals.
Our transparent pricing in Alexandria, MN, combined with quick turnaround times, ensures companies of all sizes receive value and swift results for their testing needs.
In Alexandria, MN, we provide competitive pricing without compromising on speed, offering rapid results and great value for businesses seeking affordable testing services.
The hair follicle drug test stands out in Alexandria, MN, for its speed and precision. It boasts high accuracy, efficiently revealing substance use which assures complete confidence in test outcomes.
Employers and individuals alike can rely on the fast, reliable results provided by hair tests in Alexandria, MN, offering unprecedented accuracy unmatched by other testing methods.
In Alexandria, MN, hair follicle drug testing ensures employers can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Reducing legal risks and enhancing safety is a natural byproduct.
Employers in Alexandria, MN gain peace of mind with hair tests that guarantee staff compliance with workplace safety and drug guidelines, minimizing liability risks.
