Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust means for uncovering the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair holds a protracted record of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the maturing hair. When acquired from the scalp, hair can offer a detection window extending up to roughly 3 months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
Gathering a sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands of hair (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmatory testing. For EtG tests, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Employing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for sample measurement. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, collecting an equivalent amount of body hair is feasible. When referring to head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test outcomes comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This entails confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse indicators. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to rule out substance usage across most samples, affirming a positive screen is necessary for court acceptability. Any samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is separated from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are harvested from the hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), giving hair drug screening its status as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Affirmation of any positive screen results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The holistic lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 credential standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Typically termed "hair follicle tests", these evaluations study the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Etna, MN, hair follicle testing emerges superior to traditional urine tests. While urine tests are common, hair testing offers greater accuracy and reliability, making them the preferred choice for many.
Hair testing extends beyond the limitations of urine tests with its ability to detect a broader range of substances over an extended period, thus providing a comprehensive picture of an individual’s substance use.
In Etna, MN, the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing is invaluable. Unlike other methods, this technique can reveal drug use up to 90 days back, granting employers insight into longer-term usage patterns.
This capability ensures employers in Etna, MN have a thorough understanding of an employee or candidate's history, making informed decisions backed by comprehensive substance testing.
Hair follicle tests in Etna, MN are highly resistant to tampering. With rigorous collection protocols, the risk of adulteration is practically eliminated, leading to results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
This tamper-resistant nature builds trust in the testing process, ensuring that results reflect a true account of substance use without external interference.
In Etna, MN, and nationwide, our numerous testing centers offer convenient access to hair follicle testing services. This ensures individuals and organizations can undergo required testing without hassles.
The accessible nature of our testing locations simplifies the process for all involved, ensuring quick and easy access across numerous centers.
Testing in Etna, MN is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns head-on. From ordering to receiving results, each stage is streamlined for optimal ease.
With such a straightforward process, individuals can rest assured that their information remains secure, and the overall experience is hassle-free.
In Etna, MN, hair follicle testing is affordable, offering excellent value for companies of all sizes. With competitive pricing and a fast turnaround, testing services remain economical and efficient.
Businesses benefit from these cost-effective solutions, gaining reliable drug testing without breaking the bank, ensuring both fiscal and operational peace of mind.
In Etna, MN, our hair follicle tests are known for their speed, accuracy, and reliability. These tests offer the most precise detection of substance use, ensuring results that you can trust.
Hair follicle testing is highly effective in identifying substance abuse patterns accurately, giving both employers and individuals fast and dependable results in drugs screening processes.
Employers in Etna, MN gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring drug-free workplace policies are well-maintained. The compliance this testing guarantees serves as a buffer against potential legal challenges.
By using such a thorough testing method, businesses can cultivate safer working environments, aligning with regulatory expectations effortlessly.
