Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to roughly a three-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It’s recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair covers all remaining hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This process encompasses confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening features an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in most cases, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the initial specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory process is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fisher, MN
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides numerous advantages in terms of detection accuracy and dependability. With its ability to unveil drug and alcohol use over an upscale window, it's a superior option for veracious evidence in identifying substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Fisher, MN
Hair follicle testing stands out for its capacity to detect drug use for up to 90 days after consumption. This extended detection window supplies employers with an in-depth perspective of an employee’s or candidate’s substance intake history, offering heightened vigilance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fisher, MN
Security against sample tampering is another keystone advantage of hair follicle tests. This method significantly mitigates the risk of adulterated samples, establishing reliable and indisputable test results that stakeholders can count on.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fisher, MN
Accredited Drug Testing ensures simple and convenient access across varied locations. With nationwide and local facilities in Fisher, MN, users can benefit from rapid, uncomplicated testing services close to home or elsewhere.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fisher, MN
The process of undergoing a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to execution to receiving the results, every step is designed to protect individual privacy and simplify the process, making it user-friendly for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fisher, MN
Our services highlight competitive pricing strategies paired with fast turnaround times, ensuring great value for businesses of varying sizes. The balance between cost efficiency and prompt results delivers peace of mind both economically and procedurally.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fisher, MN
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed when it comes to detecting substances in the body. The accuracy of such tests ensures that results are both fast and reliable, making it an ideal choice for those needing timely and credible information about drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fisher, MN
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal risks and fostering a safer work environment—effectively instilling peace of mind among all concerned parties.
