Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers approximately a three-month window for substance detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately pencil size #2) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilize a jeweler's scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test sample include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to initially handling a sample within the laboratory's system. This involves confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry not provided by the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although screening is a cost-efficient means to potentially eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples that show presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly reduced concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Argyle, MN, hair follicle tests offer superior detection compared to urine tests, proving more beneficial in drug testing. Their reliability and increased detection period make them a preferred choice for discerning employers.
While traditional urine tests are limited to detecting recent usage, hair follicle testing excels in identifying substance use over an extended period, providing an accurate and comprehensive screening solution.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Argyle, MN, is its extended detection window, capturing substance use history up to 90 days. This long timeframe offers employers a detailed view of potential usage.
For employers seeking comprehensive insights into an employee or applicant's substance use history, hair follicle testing serves as an invaluable tool, ensuring a thorough evaluation that extends beyond recent use.
In Argyle, MN, hair follicle testing presents a tamper-resistant method that significantly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike other tests, tampering is challenging, delivering dependable outcomes.
With its robust collection process, hair follicle testing ensures the integrity of test samples. This results in trustworthy data, supporting employers with accurate and authentic drug testing outcomes vital for decision-making.
Argyle, MN, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide testing centers, ensuring convenience and accessibility. Local centers make securing a hair follicle drug test quick and hassle-free.
The extensive network of testing facilities ensures individuals and businesses in Argyle, MN, can access essential services promptly. This ease of access supports swift testing procedures and results, crucial for timely decision-making.
In Argyle, MN, the process of ordering and conducting a hair follicle test is simple and confidential, emphasizing ease and privacy for all parties involved. From start to finish, the process is designed to protect personal information.
Confidentiality is paramount, ensuring all aspects of the hair follicle testing process are handled discreetly. This includes the ordering stage, taking the test, and receiving the results, prioritizing privacy and user comfort.
Argyle, MN, businesses can benefit from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times offered by hair follicle testing. Competitive pricing structures provide value without sacrificing quality or reliability.
With quick result turnaround, companies of all sizes can maintain their operations without interruption, thanks to hair follicle drug testing. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency positions them advantageously in maintaining workplace standards.
Hair follicle testing in Argyle, MN, provides fast, accurate, and reliable drug test results. With the ability to detect substance use with precision, this method surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of thoroughness and reliability.
The efficiency of hair testing stems from its ability to provide results quickly, without compromising on accuracy. This ensures that substance usage is detected with confidence, giving peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Employers in Argyle, MN, can gain peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It fosters a safe working environment and reduces legal concerns.
By detecting substance use reliably, hair follicle tests help uphold a drug-free workplace. This not only enhances safety but also demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a compliant and secure environment for all employees.
