Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a crucial means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers within its fibers as it grows, providing a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drug usage. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect hair samples, challenging to tamper with them, and convenient to send them for testing.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is ideal. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. If hair from the scalp is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Mention of head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, integrating a sample into the lab's processing system. This phase ensures that the sample remains sealed and correctly transported, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most specimens, a positive outcome must be validated for court use. All samples coming out of Screening as presumptive positives necessitate a subsequent Confirmation.
In instances of presumptive positives at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Preparation for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to alternatives like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug screening the most challenging technique.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under the governance of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Fridley, MN, offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. Detect Accuracy: Hair testing boasts superior detection capabilities, capturing a wider range of substances with higher accuracy.
This results in more reliable outcomes, making it a trusted choice for employers who prioritize thorough screenings.
Reliability: Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing is less prone to external tampering, enhancing credibility in results and creating a safer testing environment.
In Fridley, MN, hair follicle testing reveals substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This broad detection window offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, allowing employers to make informed decisions.
Such insight is invaluable for maintaining safety and compliance within workplaces.
The extended detection capability of hair tests ensures a consistent track record of substance use, minimizing the risk of overlooking potential issues among applicants or employees.
The reliability of hair follicle testing in Fridley, MN, stems from its robust resistance to adulteration. This testing method significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, ensuring authenticity in results.
The integrity of test outcomes provides confidence and assurance in maintaining a substance-free environment.
Hair tests' tamper-resistant design makes them a go-to choice for those needing secure and unquestionable drug screening solutions.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with nationwide and local centers in Fridley, MN, for easy access to hair follicle testing services.
The extensive network allows for quick, hassle-free testing, meeting diverse testing needs efficiently.
With numerous locations, clients are assured of seamless service, minimizing travel and time commitments associated with drug testing processes.
In Fridley, MN, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Ordering a test, undergoing the procedure, and receiving results are all streamlined to prioritize ease of use and privacy.
This approach removes barriers to testing, ensuring comfort throughout the process.
The confidentiality of the testing process gives individuals peace of mind, knowing their privacy is respected and maintained at every step.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times characterize hair follicle drug testing in Fridley, MN. This combination offers great value, especially for companies of all sizes seeking cost-effective solutions.
Speed and affordability make hair tests a preferred choice for efficient and reliable drug screening.
Employers benefit from the quick processing times, enabling timely decisions without compromising budget constraints, making it both economical and efficient.
Hair follicle drug tests in Fridley, MN, stand out for their fast, accurate, and dependable outcomes. These tests are designed to quickly and precisely detect substance use, ensuring results you can trust.
Their high accuracy makes them a preferred choice for employers and individuals alike, providing peace of mind with each test.
The rapid processing time of hair tests means less waiting and faster action if needed. In Fridley, MN, speed and precision come together to deliver reliable drug testing services.
In Fridley, MN, adopting hair follicle testing aids in complying with drug-free workplace policies, thus enhancing legal protection and workplace safety.
Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and peace of mind when assuring a compliant and safe work environment.
Utilizing hair testing demonstrates commitment to safety standards, fostering a culture of accountability and trust within organizations.