Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can archive a historical record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When retrieved near the scalp, hair offers up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drug usage. Hair is easy to collect, quite challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A strand of hair measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If no scalp hair is accessible, a corresponding amount of body hair might be gathered. The mention of head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab processes for determining drug test outcomes include four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the first step of incorporating a sample into a lab’s procedure. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any missing data entry from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening offers a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most cases, any positive screening result must be validated for court eligibility. All samples that are initially positive in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
If any sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests the most challenging to execute.
The authentication of any positive screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp, that's examined in these tests.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Appleton, MN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The ability to detect substances over a longer period enhances the credibility of the results, making it a preferred choice for many employers and agencies.
Hair testing minimizes the possibility of evasion tactics often associated with urine samples, providing a robust solution for maintaining drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Appleton, MN
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its prolonged detection period of up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe allows employers to gain insight into an individual's substance use history beyond the capabilities of standard testing methods.
Such comprehensive visibility supports informed decision-making, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with company policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Appleton, MN
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This method provides assurance that the results are authentic and uncontaminated.
This reliability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of drug testing processes in various settings, from employment to legal scenarios.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Appleton, MN
With convenient testing centers available nationwide, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is both quick and hassle-free. Local facilities in Appleton, MN, ensure easy access to needed testing services.
This widespread availability simplifies the testing process, making it accessible for individuals and organizations everywhere.
Simple, Confidential Process in Appleton, MN
The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring ease of use from ordering to results. Privacy concerns are addressed, guaranteeing that individuals can participate without worry.
This straightforward approach encourages compliance and supports a stress-free testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Appleton, MN
Our competitive pricing structures combined with fast turnaround times provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. This affordability makes hair follicle testing a viable option for budget-conscious organizations.
Quick results further enhance convenience, allowing businesses to operate efficiently and effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Appleton, MN
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional speed and precision in detecting substance use. The accuracy of these tests is unmatched, providing clear and reliable results that can be trusted by employers and individuals alike.
With a streamlined process, the results of hair follicle testing are delivered quickly, ensuring timely decision-making. This level of reliability ensures that users can have confidence in the outcomes of their tests.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Appleton, MN
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal risks. Hair testing strengthens workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers and fostering a secure working environment.
This proactive approach aids in the alignment of organizational values with regulatory expectations.
