Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It delivers an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section made up of roughly 200 hair strands, equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil, taken nearest the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is recommended. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other kinds of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result consists of four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for potential drug abuse. Even though Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of specimens, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples suspected to be positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), leading to hair drug screening being the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive results from screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing eclipses traditional urine tests with superior detection accuracy and dependability in Genola, MN. Hair tests cover a broader range of substances, detecting use over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, which might miss chronological substance consumption, hair testing provides a comprehensive snapshot, ensuring robust analytics and reliable conclusions for employers and legal bodies.
One of the noteworthy benefits of hair follicle testing in Genola, MN, is its extensive detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This duration allows employers to thoroughly assess an individual’s substance use history, presenting a clearer picture of patterns and ensuring informed decisions. Such long-term insight surpasses that of shorter windowed tests, offering a holistic view of drug use behavior.
In Genola, MN, hair follicle tests offer an almost tamper-proof solution for substance testing. The method greatly minimizes the likelihood of sample adulteration, providing results that are robustly reliable. This security results in unparalleled trustworthiness, alleviating doubts about the validity of drug test outcomes and ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
With convenient testing sites across the nation, including in Genola, MN, clients enjoy swift, hassle-free access to drug testing services. Our expansive reach ensures that individuals and organizations can easily schedule tests, meeting their needs effectively and without delay. The accessibility of these centers empowers clients with flexible options and reliable service wherever needed.
The hair follicle testing process in Genola, MN, is marked by its simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined to protect privacy while offering ease-of-use. This approach ensures clients feel secure in their engagement, without fearing exposure or complications, making the process straightforward and stress-free for all involved.
In Genola, MN, our hair follicle testing services are defined by competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. These affordably structured services deliver exceptional value, ensuring companies, regardless of size, feel financially comfortable committing to comprehensive testing solutions. Fast results further enhance efficiencies, providing reassurance and clarity in decision-making processes.
In Genola, MN, hair follicle drug testing stands out through its speed and precision. The tests are highly accurate, pinpointing substance use efficiently. This precision ensures that results are reliable, allowing employers and individuals to trust the findings with confidence. Rapid processing affirms timely results, making it an invaluable tool for those needing swift and decisive action.
Employers in Genola, MN, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal liabilities and fosters a safer work environment, supporting zero-tolerance stances. By using accurate testing methods, businesses maintain proper adherence to regulations and cultivate a supportive and secure workplace for all employees.
