Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand. With samples collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within an approximately 3-month timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp weighs around 100mg, which is ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is preferred. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory drug testing consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is logged into the lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering additional details not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although Screening affords an economical means to exclude drug use in most samples, positive results require confirmation to hold up in court. Presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If screening suggests a positive result, more hair is gathered from the primary sample to prepare for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at lower concentrations than seen in other methods, like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, all presumptive positives may be washed. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brookston, MN
Employers in Brookston favor hair follicle testing for its comprehensive detection and minimal risk of manipulation compared to urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Brookston, MN
Companies seeking a detailed insight into an employee's past substance use appreciate the expansive detection period hair testing provides in Brookston.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brookston, MN
Brookston organizations value the integrity of hair testing, ensuring compliance and accuracy in all substance evaluations with minimal tampering possibilities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brookston, MN
With easily accessible testing sites, Brookston residents and businesses enjoy quick and convenient laboratory visits, minimizing time and effort.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brookston, MN
The streamlined testing protocol in Brookston assures participants that their information remains private, enhancing overall service satisfaction.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brookston, MN
Businesses in Brookston receive great value from cost-effective hair follicle testing, enjoying both economic and operational benefits with efficient turnaround times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brookston, MN
In Brookston, quick turnaround times for hair testing allow stakeholders to address substance concerns without delay, enhancing workplace efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brookston, MN
Incorporating hair follicle tests in Brookston's employment processes cultivates a culture of safety and compliance, benefiting both management and employees.
