Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations have become recognized as a significant approach for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains evidence of alcohol and drug usage over a longer term by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. It is easy to obtain, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is preferable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When noting head hair, it solely refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing laboratory results of drug tests are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the sample's initial integration into the lab’s procedures. This process includes checking that the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entries that aren't covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening includes an initial assessment for drug usage. While this stage is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug presence in most cases, positive results from Screening must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples that show a presumptively positive result during Screening require further verification.
If results are presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this part, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the toughest methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as required before confirmation. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being titled "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis inspects the hair strand, not the follicle unseen beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Burnett, MN: Hair testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. This method provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, with an extended detection window that covers up to 90 days. Additionally, the integrity of hair follicle tests ensures they are less susceptible to tampering compared to urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Burnett, MN: Hair follicle testing is favored for its ability to identify drug use over a prolonged period, typically up to 90 days. This extended detection window gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history, allowing for more informed hiring or retention decisions. Compared to shorter-term tests, this method offers a broader perspective.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Burnett, MN: Hair follicle testing greatly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. This reliable testing method ensures that the results are accurate and trustworthy, providing peace of mind to employers and organizations seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace. It's a critical tool for ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Burnett, MN: Our testing centers are strategically located nationwide, including accessible local options in Burnett. This ensures that individuals and companies can easily access hair follicle testing services without hassle. The convenience and availability of testing locations make the process smooth and efficient for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Burnett, MN: Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns about privacy and ease. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, we maintain confidentiality throughout, ensuring that personal information is secure and the experience is user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Burnett, MN: We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, providing exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions coupled with speedy results make hair follicle testing accessible and reliable, ensuring timely decision-making and financial efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Burnett, MN: The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests make them a top choice. These tests provide high accuracy in detecting substance use, giving timely and dependable results crucial for making informed decisions. Quick results ensure that employers and individuals can take necessary actions without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Burnett, MN: Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues and enhancing overall safety. This type of testing supports a compliant environment, resulting in reduced risks and greater peace of mind for those in managerial positions, knowing that their policies are effectively upheld.
