Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a long-term history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When a sample is taken close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or testing beyond 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of hair. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we are exclusively referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Summary
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This involves confirming that the specimen was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data recording absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample returns a presumptive positive result at the Screening stage, further hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair and urine drug tests, hair follicle testing in East Chain, MN stands out for its superior detection reliability. Unlike urine tests that only capture recent use, hair tests provide a detailed and long-term view of substance history, making them an ideal choice for employers, legal entities, and substance abuse professionals who prioritize accurate and dependable results.
Hair follicle drug tests offer a significant advantage with their extended detection window, up to 90 days. In East Chain, MN, this comprehensive timeline provides employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance history, giving them confidence in their hiring and monitoring processes. This extensive detection period surpasses that of more conventional drug testing methods, offering thorough insights.
The risk of sample tampering is significantly minimized with hair follicle testing in East Chain, MN. This testing method is designed to preclude adulteration, ensuring reliable and conclusive outcomes. Employers and other entities trust hair tests due to their intrinsic resistance to manipulation, which helps maintain the integrity of the testing process.
With a network of nationwide testing centers, including East Chain, MN, our hair testing services are convenient and readily accessible. We make the process quick and hassle-free, regardless of your location. Our widespread centers facilitate easy access to reliable testing, ensuring you receive the results you need efficiently.
In East Chain, MN, we provide a simple and confidential hair follicle drug testing process. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness. This approach dispels concerns about privacy while ensuring ease of access to important information for both individuals and organizations.
Our hair follicle drug testing in East Chain, MN features competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This affordability and speed offer excellent value, catering to the needs of businesses of any size. By providing both economically feasible and fast solutions, we ensure peace of mind for employers seeking efficient drug testing services.
In East Chain, MN, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. These tests provide highly accurate readings of substance use, ensuring that results are both reliable and quick. The precision with which hair tests can determine drug profiles far exceeds traditional methods, offering a dependable solution for employers seeking rapid and correct evaluations.
Employers in East Chain, MN benefit from hair follicle testing to ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in reducing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace safety, providing peace of mind. Hair testing fosters confidence in maintaining a secure work environment, offering a dependable compliance solution for organizations of all sizes.
