Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a significant resource for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a lengthy timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. A sample taken close to the scalp can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial screening and verification. For EtG, add-on tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to gather 150mg of the hair sample. weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used instead. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" denotes all other hair types (including facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning focuses on the initial sample entry into the lab system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples indicating a potential positive result during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample suggest a positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva); this complexity makes hair testing one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Any positive results identified during screening are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests in Fairfax, MN, particularly in detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike conventional urine tests, hair testing provides an exhaustive look into an individual's substance use history, transcending recent consumption.
This method minimizes false negatives, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on drug usage over an extended timeframe, reinforcing its dominance over traditional urine evaluations.
Fairfax, MN, benefits significantly from the prolonged detection window of hair follicle testing, capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended period provides employers with a more detailed substance use profile of applicants or employees.
This expansive detection scope allows organizations to ensure their workforce aligns with their drug-free policies, offering peace of mind and a more secure workplace environment.
In Fairfax, MN, the tamper-resistant qualities of hair follicle tests offer an unrivaled assurance of accurate results. Unlike other methods, hair testing substantially reduces the potential for adulteration or substitution.
This secure testing approach ensures that the outcomes are trustworthy and indisputable, thereby reinforcing confidence in the process and its findings from both employers and individuals.
The convenience of testing centers nationwide, including those in Fairfax, MN, streamlines the drug testing process immensely. Employers and individuals have quick, effortless access to testing, ensuring minimal disruption to their schedules.
This widespread network of locations exemplifies our commitment to providing accessible and efficient testing services anywhere the need arises.
In Fairfax, MN, the hair follicle drug testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From easy ordering to discreet sample collection and result retrieval, the procedure respects privacy and offers unparalleled ease of use.
This approach ensures that individuals undergo the testing process with minimal stress while safeguarding their personal information throughout.
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Fairfax, MN, hair follicle testing delivers excellent value for organizations of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions are complemented by swift result availability, addressing time-sensitive scenarios seamlessly.
We strive to offer pricing structures that appeal to businesses, ensuring they receive quality testing services without financial strain.
In Fairfax, MN, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision, offering accurate results rapidly. Compared to other methods, it excels in detecting substance usage with great reliability, ensuring that results are not only prompt but dependable.
Employers value the swift outcome delivery, ensuring that decisions regarding employment or legal considerations can be made without unnecessary delays. This efficiency in process does not compromise the accuracy of the findings.
In Fairfax, MN, hair follicle testing provides employers with a reliable means of maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method significantly lessens potential legal liabilities and fosters a safer work environment.
Employers using this testing method can rest assured knowing that their drug testing policies are robust and that they are upholding high safety and compliance standards.
