Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol usage. The hair retains a historical record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. Collecting hair near the scalp offers an estimated detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is quite hard, and it's simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in the lab processing of a drug testing result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. This procedure ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly approach for excluding drug usage on most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for court acceptability. Samples with a presumptive positive Screening result necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than those found in alternative approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirming positive screening outcomes is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Foley, MN
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Foley, MN, demonstrates superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days compared to just a few days with urine tests. The non-invasive and dignified collection process further enhances the appeal of hair testing, providing a more comprehensive picture of an individual’s substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Foley, MN
In Foley, MN, hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection window, capturing a history of substance use up to 90 days prior. This extensive detection period enables employers to assess the long-term habits of applicants and employees, providing a more thorough understanding of their workforce’s compliance with drug use policies, ensuring a safer and healthier workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Foley, MN
Hair follicle tests in Foley, MN are designed to minimize tampering and provide unquestionable results. The integrity of the sample is maintained from collection through analysis, reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration or substitution. The nature of hair samples means that deceitful attempts to alter or substitute specimens are effectively thwarted, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Foley, MN
Accredited Drug Testing provides accessibility and convenience with nationwide centers, including Foley, MN. This network ensures that obtaining a drug test is a straightforward, hassle-free process. Facilities are strategically located to accommodate the needs of individuals and businesses, offering test centers that are easy to access and efficient in processing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Foley, MN
In Foley, MN, the process of hair follicle testing is made simple and discreet. From ordering a test to collecting samples and receiving results, each step is designed to protect the individual’s privacy and ensure ease of use. Individuals and organizations can trust that their confidentiality is maintained, and the process is straightforward and secure from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Foley, MN
Accredited Drug Testing in Foley, MN offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, making hair follicle tests a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes. Clients benefit from high-quality testing services without compromising on budget, ensuring timely and accurate results that align with their operational needs and financial considerations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Foley, MN
Hair follicle drug tests provide quick and precise results, making them an efficient choice for detecting substance use in Foley, MN. These tests offer high accuracy, minimizing false positives and providing reliable data for decision-making. The rapid turnaround time ensures that employers and other stakeholders can act swiftly on results, maintaining their operations without delays.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Foley, MN
By adopting hair follicle testing in Foley, MN, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities. This method offers a robust and reliable way to enforce compliance, helping maintain workplace safety and offering peace of mind, knowing that company standards are being upheld and workplace safety is prioritized.
