Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The identification of drug and alcohol consumption has been greatly enhanced through hair testing. Hair preserves chemical indicators of alcohol and various drugs within the strands as they grow, offering a comprehensive account over an extended period. When strands are taken near the scalp, they can reveal drug use for a span of nearly 90 days. Hair sampling is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
To obtain the best specimen for testing, a 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hairs (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) from the scalp is needed to achieve 100mg. For specific tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measurement is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, equivalent body hair can be used instead. Herein, “head hair†signifies scalp hair alone, while “body hair†encompasses all other varieties (beard, armpits, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins the process by integrating the sample into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample is securely sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a preliminary and economical evaluation for drug presence. While effective at excluding drug usage, a positive outcome requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with initial positive indications in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
For samples that test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the original source for the Extraction phase. This step isolates drugs at much lower concentrations compared to other test types (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis a more intricate testing option.
Positive screening results undergo validation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmatory tests, presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary. The lab's entire process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Superiority of Hair Testing Over Urine in Brooks, MN
Compared to traditional urine drug screens, hair follicle tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing's ability to unveil substance usage for up to 90 days makes it a more comprehensive choice for employers and enforcement agencies in Brooks.
Comprehensive Detection Window in Brooks, MN
Hair follicle drug tests excel with their extended detection ability. Covering up to 90 days of drug history, employers in Brooks gain insight into long-term substance use patterns of employees or candidates, ensuring informed decisions.
Trusted Tamper-Proof Testing in Brooks, MN
Reducing adulteration risks, hair follicle tests in Brooks deliver reliable outcomes. This method's resistance to tampering ensures unquestionable results, providing a solid foundation for informed decisions in high-stakes environments.
Accessible Testing Centers Nationwide and Locally in Brooks, MN
Our expansive network guarantees easy access to testing services. With locations nationwide, including Brooks, our centers provide convenient testing experiences, eliminating barriers to drug testing requirements.
Simplified, Confidential Processes in Brooks, MN
We prioritize privacy alongside simplicity in our testing procedures. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure a confidential and user-friendly experience, addressing privacy and ease-of-use concerns.
Cost-Effective and Quick Results in Brooks, MN
We offer competitive pricing structures that complement our fast turnaround times, enhancing the value we provide. All businesses in Brooks can benefit from our services, offering peace of mind across varied scales of operation.
Swift and Dependable Detection in Brooks, MN
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its rapid and precise detection capabilities. The process yields high accuracy results, providing a reliable overview of an individual's substance use patterns. When speed and accuracy are essential, hair testing in Brooks offers a dependable solution for drug detection.
Ensuring Compliance and Assurance in Brooks, MN
Incorporating hair follicle testing into drug-free workplace policies reinforces compliance and mitigates legal risks for Brooks companies. This strategy enhances both workplace safety and peace of mind for employers and stakeholders.
