Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat hard to alter, and convenient to ship.
Collecting a sample of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair classifications (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an elementary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally acceptable. Any samples that show presumed positivity during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit presumed positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Almelund, MN, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can identify substance use over an extended period, unlike urine tests, which often miss longer-term usage. This makes it a preferred choice for employers and legal bodies seeking precise results.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Almelund, MN, is instrumental in assessing an individual's drug history. The ability to trace substance use up to 90 days offers employers a thorough insight into an applicant's or employee's substance usage profile, aiding informed decision-making.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Almelund, MN, ensures that the samples provide trustworthy results. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration, offering results that are both reliable and difficult to contest.
Almelund, MN, benefits from convenient testing locations offered by our nationwide network. This extensive availability ensures easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services, catering to local and national needs efficiently.
The hair follicle testing process in Almelund, MN, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the process prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns related to confidentiality and user-friendliness.
In Almelund, MN, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing emphasize value and peace of mind for businesses of any size. Clients receive the speed and affordability they need without compromising quality.
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering swift, accurate, and dependable results in Almelund, MN. These tests provide exceptional precision in identifying substance use, making them especially valuable for those needing quick and reliable outcomes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Almelund, MN, helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks and boosting workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are adhering to regulations and contributing to a safer work environment.
