Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective resource in identifying substance and alcohol consumption, hair analysis provides a comprehensive timeline through the encapsulation of biomarkers within the hair's fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair section containing approximately 200 strands close to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, additional screenings, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. In this context, head hair refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps required in processing a drug test result in a lab encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory procedure where a sample is registered within a lab's records, ensuring that it was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling out any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary evaluation for substances of misuse. Although it's a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a screen that returns positive needs confirmation to be accepted legally. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples flagged as presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial collection and prepped for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is the most arduous method to execute.
Any positive outcomes from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required before confirmation. The entire progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Perks of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Edina, MN
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, surpassing traditional urine tests. Its ability to uncover a longer history of substance use provides a more reliable snapshot, important for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies and seeking detailed reports of employee conduct.
Extended Detection Window in Edina, MN
With the capacity to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing provides employers with a comprehensive view of potential or current employee substance use, ensuring that only individuals adhering to company standards are part of the workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Edina, MN
Hair follicle testing significantly diminishes the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures the reliability and integrity of test results, crucial for maintaining an authentic and trustworthy testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Edina, MN
Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation ensures easy and hassle-free access to testing services for individuals and businesses in Edina and beyond, ensuring prompt service delivery every time.
Simple, Confidential Process in Edina, MN
Our procedure for ordering tests, sample collection, and receiving results is straightforward and confidential. This ensures client privacy is respected while maintaining ease of use throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Edina, MN
We offer competitive pricing along with quick turnaround times, delivering excellent value. Our services meet the needs of companies of all sizes, facilitating effective decision-making and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Edina, MN
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results, a vital feature for employers assessing substance use histories. The high level of accuracy ensures trust in the outcomes, enabling informed decisions in hiring or maintaining a safe workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Edina, MN
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers to comply with drug-free workplace requirements. It reduces legal risks and contributes significantly to creating a safer, more productive working environment.
