Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a significant means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair delivers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in lab processing for drug test results are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab's framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, provisioning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening provides an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Screening is a budget-friendly method to rule out drug usage in most samples; however, a positive screen needs confirmation for court acceptance. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen in preparation for Extraction. Here, drugs are derived from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening result proceeds through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples that preliminarily tested positive are cleaned before final confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is gaining traction in Coleraine, MN, thanks to its superior benefits over urine tests. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, catching drug use up to three months prior. This aspect is crucial for employers who demand stringent drug policies. Moreover, hair tests are typically more challenging to manipulate, which translates to more reliable outcomes.
In Coleraine, MN, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests is a standout feature. Unlike urine tests, which have a short detection period, hair tests provide insights into an individual's drug usage over the past 90 days. For employers, this means obtaining a comprehensive understanding of an employee's substance history and making informed decisions.
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle testing in Coleraine, MN is its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests offer tamper-resistant screening, ensuring that results are reliable and indisputable. This testing method reduces the likelihood of trickery, enhancing trust in the testing process.
With our nationwide testing centers and local facilities in Coleraine, MN, accessing drug testing services has never been more convenient. Our widespread locations ensure a quick and straightforward process, making it hassle-free for individuals and businesses to meet their testing requirements efficiently.
The process for hair follicle testing in Coleraine, MN is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed with privacy in mind. Our seamless procedure guarantees that individuals can undergo tests with ease and confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
We offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Coleraine, MN, making it easier for companies to incorporate hair follicle drug testing. Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value, while rapid results provide timely insights into employee drug use, catering to companies of all sizes looking for reliable testing options.
Our hair follicle drug tests in Coleraine, MN are celebrated for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures that any traces of substance use are detected with high accuracy. Not only do they provide a comprehensive overview of drug history, but they also deliver results swiftly, a significant advantage in fast-paced environments.
Employers in Coleraine, MN can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By utilizing this method, they adhere to drug-free workplace policies and mitigate legal risks. This testing method not only safeguards the company but also promotes a safe and productive work environment.