Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a timeline of drug and alcohol consumption, with biomarkers accumulating in the strands as hair grows. When cut near the scalp, hair samples offer a detection window of roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. This method of collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal volume for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It’s suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be sampled, a similar quantity of body hair may be taken. Our reference to head hair is specifically about scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other categories (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow in drug testing includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is logged into the laboratory system. This involves checking that the sample is properly sealed and was shipped correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not available via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. While Screening is a cost-effective measure to eliminate drug usage in most cases, a positive result during Screening requires a Confirmation to be accepted legally. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need further verification.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the sample for Extraction. In this phase, the drug content is derived from the hair at much lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive results from Screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed prior to Confirmation if necessary. The whole process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the examination concerns the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Askov, MN offers distinct advantages over urine testing. It provides a superior detection range and is more reliable in identifying substance use. While traditional urine tests detect recent use, hair testing can identify drug usage over an extended period, offering more robust data.
Employers benefit from hair testing because it is harder to manipulate than urine tests. The accuracy and integrity of the results help maintain a drug-free workplace and mitigate risks associated with substance use.
One compelling advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This prolonged period enables employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history beyond immediate or recent use.
In Askov, MN, this long-term view is valuable for organizations looking to maintain a safe and productive workplace. By assessing a more extended history, employers can make more informed hiring or retention decisions.
In Askov, MN, the risk of sample tampering is significantly reduced with hair follicle tests. The nature of hair sample collection minimizes opportunities for adulteration, ensuring test integrity and reliability.
With hair testing, individuals have limited options to alter test results. This tamper-proof approach provides organizations with unquestionable results, reinforcing the trustworthiness of substance testing procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations in Askov, MN, as part of our nationwide network. This broad availability ensures quick and easy access to drug testing services, enhancing user experience with minimized travel and wait times.
Having local access to testing services means individuals and employers can engage with our testing facilities hassle-free, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
The process of hair follicle testing in Askov, MN is simple and confidential. Ordering tests, providing samples, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure user privacy and ease of use.
Individuals can trust that their information is handled discreetly, fostering confidence in the testing process while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of personal data.
Our services in Askov, MN are designed to be affordable with competitive pricing structures. This cost-effectiveness ensures organizations of all sizes can access our high-quality testing services.
The fast turnaround on results further enhances value by allowing companies to proceed with decisions without costly delays, providing peace of mind along with budget-friendly options.
In Askov, MN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. They are highly precise in identifying substance use, providing rapid results that employers and individuals can trust. This efficiency means quicker decision-making and less downtime waiting on test outcomes.
The reliability of hair follicle testing ensures that organizations receive credible data. This high level of precision means fewer false positives or negatives, reducing the risk of costly errors in substance use detection.
Hair follicle testing in Askov, MN supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. As an effective deterrent to drug use, it reduces potential legal risks associated with workplace incidents involving substance abuse.
Employers are reassured knowing their testing method meets industry standards and is effective in promoting safety and productivity. This peace of mind reinforces workplace integrity and morale.
