Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. Acquired near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 90-day usage period for alcohol and other drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen’s weight. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, this specifically pertains to scalp hair. All other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.) are considered body hair.
Process Overview
The four essential stages in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s workflow. This step encompasses checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening consists of an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to negate drug presence in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that show initial positive results in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample exhibits a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This phase entails extracting drugs from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is pursued via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The overall lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and conformance to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often classified as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself focuses on the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair testing offers several advantages over traditional urine testing in Doran, MN. The primary benefit lies in its extended detection period and superior accuracy, making it a reliable choice for many. Urine tests may miss long-term substance use, while hair tests provide a robust history of substance exposure.
In Doran, MN, hair follicle testing shines as an effective method for capturing drug usage history over an extended period of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain an insightful look into the substance habits of applicants or current employees, offering a comprehensive understanding of their lifestyle choices.
Hair follicle drug tests in Doran, MN stand out for their resistance to tampering. This testing method significantly minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, giving employers and authorities confidence in the authenticity and integrity of the results received, hence ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing presents a seamless experience for those in Doran, MN, through its extensive network of testing centers nationwide. This ensures accessible and convenient options for individuals to undergo testing processes wherever they are situated, simplifying the steps involved with no added stress or difficulty.
In Doran, MN, the hair follicle testing process is crafted to be simple and private, ensuring users face no complications or privacy concerns. From easily ordering a test to obtaining discreet results, the process reassures users of its confidential and straightforward handling at every stage.
For businesses in Doran, MN, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift result turnaround. This combination of affordability and rapid feedback guarantees extraordinary value, making these services accessible and reassuring for companies, regardless of their size or scope.
The hair follicle drug test is renowned in Doran, MN for its rapid and precise outcomes. This testing approach is celebrated for accurately identifying a wide range of substances. Employers and individuals alike value its capacity to swiftly deliver results that are not only efficient but also reliable, making it a preferred choice for those seeking trustworthy drug screening methods.
For employers in Doran, MN, hair follicle tests offer a reliable way to maintain compliance with drug-free policies in the workplace. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and promotes a safer environment by effectively identifying users and maintaining stringent drug-free standards.
