Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective means to identify the use of drugs and alcohol. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and other drug usage. Collected near the scalp, hair can furnish up to a 3-month substance detection period. Its ease of collection, resistance to tampering, and straightforward shipping make it a practical choice.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. The term 'head hair' specifically pertains to scalp hair. Meanwhile, 'body hair' covers all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary incorporation of a specimen into the lab's framework. It ensures the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any pending data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening commences with a rapid inspection for substances of misuse. While it is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for it to be viable in a legal context. Any samples that are ostensibly positive during Screening require an additional confirmation.
In cases where Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at notably lower concentrations than other procedures (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening presents a methodological challenge.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation when essential. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests in Elmdale, MN, the former offers superior detection accuracy. Hair tests provide a more reliable picture of drug use, revealing substance intake over a more extended period than urine tests. This comprehensive insight helps employers make informed decisions, illustrating the method's capability to surpass traditional testing by ensuring heightened accuracy and reliability.
In Elmdale, MN, hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an extended timeframe, often up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, beyond the limitations of other testing methods. As a result, hair testing provides a holistic view of employee or applicant conduct, making it an essential tool for thorough background checks.
Hair follicle tests in Elmdale, MN, significantly diminish the odds of sample tampering. This ensures reliable outcomes that maintain their integrity upon review. By thwarting attempts at adulteration, employers can trust the results, strengthening their stance in maintaining drug-free environments while relying on this trustworthy testing technique.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including in Elmdale, MN, accessing hair follicle testing services is convenient. This convenience ensures a quick, effortless testing experience, offering local support with the backing of an extensive network. Whether in Elmdale or elsewhere, reliable testing is readily available for all clients.
In Elmdale, MN, the process for hair follicle drug testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined, emphasizing privacy for users. Such a simple yet effective process reduces barriers to testing, ensuring clients feel secure and confident throughout each step.
In Elmdale, MN, our hair follicle testing services present competitive pricing alongside fast turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value for businesses of varying sizes, granting peace of mind through quality service and affordability. Our efficient processes offer impressive savings without compromising on the reliability of results.
In Elmdale, MN, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are renowned for pinpoint precision, ensuring high accuracy in detecting drugs. When compared to other testing methods, hair follicle tests deliver comprehensive substance use assessments swiftly and with substantial credibility, making them an ideal choice for efficient screenings.
Employers in Elmdale, MN, can achieve compliance with workplace drug policies through hair follicle testing. This methodology reduces legal risk while promoting a safe work environment. By implementing hair tests, employers reassure their stakeholders of adherence to set guidelines, ultimately resulting in peace of mind regarding regulatory compliance.