Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the developing hair fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can present an approximate three-month observation period for substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is rare, and shipping is convenient.
A sample size of 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for both initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core procedures in the lab processing of drug testing results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the primary processing of a sample into the lab’s framework. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any further data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for detecting drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective technique to dismiss drug presence in numerous samples, a positive indication must be confirmed to be valid in legal scenarios. Samples suggesting positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples indicated as positive post-Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing why hair drug analysis is one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation. The full processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Arden Hills, MN, hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing provides enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, identifying drug use over a longer period. Unlike urine tests, which are vulnerable to adulteration, hair testing remains a more secure and dependable option for employers.
Hair follicle testing in Arden Hills, MN is renowned for its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method provides employers with comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use history, offering a detailed account of an applicant or employee's behavior and ensuring more informed decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Arden Hills, MN significantly minimizes the risks of sample adulteration. Hair tests produce reliable, indisputable results, making it a preferred choice among employers seeking trustworthy substance abuse testing solutions.
With testing centers widely available, access to drug testing services in Arden Hills, MN is convenient and simple. Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access nationwide, ensuring individuals and employers can find a nearby location for easy and efficient testing.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures a simple, secure, and private process for hair follicle testing in Arden Hills, MN. From ordering to testing and receiving results, clients benefit from a streamlined, confidential experience that prioritizes convenience and user privacy.
In Arden Hills, MN, Accredited Drug Testing delivers affordable pricing for hair follicle testing. Alongside competitive rates, clients benefit from quick turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for companies of all sizes while maintaining peace of mind with rapid and reliable service.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Arden Hills, MN set a high standard. With unmatched precision, these tests reliably detect substances, ensuring dependable outcomes. The process is designed to deliver fast, accurate results, which makes it a preferred choice for employers and institutions demanding reliable data.
Employers in Arden Hills, MN find peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it aligns with drug-free workplace policies. By using this method, companies can reduce legal exposure, maintain compliance, and foster a safer working environment, thereby enhancing overall organizational integrity.
