Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair fibers incorporate biomarkers within the strands as they grow, offering a long-term record of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence for approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides approximately 100mg, ideal for initial screening and confirmation. For testing including EtG, additional panels over 10, 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Referring to head hair specifically indicates scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test comprises four chief steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of integrating a sample into the laboratory system. It involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. It is a cost-effective approach for negating drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen demands confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples presumed positive during Screening require further validation.
Should a sample present a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is sourced from the initial sample and set for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS confirms any positive outcomes from Screening. All samples deemed presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory operation, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test often dubbed a "hair follicle test" actually analyses the hair strand itself, not the underlying hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cedar, MN
Hair follicle tests provide unmatched detection accuracy, surpassing traditional urine analysis. The benefits include a substantial detection window and minimized risk of manipulation. This means that hair tests offer a more reliable overview of substance use, ensuring accurate and trustworthy results for Cedar, MN communities.
Extended Detection Window in Cedar, MN
Offering a look-back period of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests give a comprehensive understanding of a user’s drug history. Employers benefit from a clearer picture of an employee's past drug use, aiding in informed hiring and management decisions. Such an extensive detection period highlights the superiority of hair testing over shorter-term options like urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cedar, MN
Hair follicle tests significantly curb the chances of tampering, ensuring that results are both trustworthy and valid. The supervised collection process and inherent resistance to substitution or adulteration make hair tests a bastion of reliability within drug testing methodologies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cedar, MN
Accessing drug testing services is simple, with numerous centers situated throughout the nation, including in Cedar, MN. This easy accessibility ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing individuals and employers to benefit from quick and efficient testing services without unnecessary travel or delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cedar, MN
Ordering, conducting, and receiving hair test results in Cedar, MN is straightforward and respects privacy concerns. With a simple process that prioritizes confidentiality, clients can confidently engage with testing services, assured of their information's security and integrity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cedar, MN
Cedar, MN residents can expect competitive pricing and speedy response times from hair testing services. These attributes ensure that businesses, regardless of size, receive exceptional value, balancing cost-effectiveness with expeditious results to enhance administrative efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cedar, MN
Hair follicle drug tests in Cedar, MN ensure rapid and precise detection of substance use. Their cutting-edge technology provides high accuracy, allowing results that employers and individuals can fully trust. High accuracy combined with speed makes these tests a reliable choice for accurate substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cedar, MN
Employers in Cedar, MN can rely on hair testing to maintain their drug-free workplace policies efficiently. By reducing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment, hair follicle tests support businesses in upholding compliance and protecting their workforce's well-being.
