Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method to detect substance use. Hair stores a prolonged record of alcohol and drug ingestion by locking biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can indicate drug or alcohol use over a timeframe of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to send for testing.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When we refer to head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab analysis of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the first step of integrating the sample into a lab's database. This step checks that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective measure to rule out drugs in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for validity in legal settings. All samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
If a presumptive positive emerges during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a far lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a challenging procedure.
To confirm any positive screening outcomes, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed. Any samples that are presumptively positive are washed as necessary before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Georgetown, MN
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and dependability. While urine tests serve their purpose, hair testing provides a broader detection time and comprehensive substance history insight.
Employing hair testing offers businesses in Georgetown peace of mind with its unbeatable reliability in capturing past drug use, outperforming urine tests, known for shorter detection windows.
Extended Detection Window in Georgetown, MN
Hair follicle tests are invaluable for their extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days of drug use history. For Georgetown employers, this means a comprehensive glimpse into an individual's substance use over the past three months.
This extensive window affords employers a broader view of applicants, spotlighting patterns that would otherwise remain hidden with shorter review periods of traditional tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Georgetown, MN
Hair follicle tests significantly enhance the integrity of drug screening by minimizing the risk of tampering. In Georgetown, their application results in trustworthy and undisputed results, offering confidence in maintaining workplace safety.
This method stands as a robust barrier against sample adulteration, delivering results that businesses can rely on to inform crucial employment decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Georgetown, MN
At Accredited Drug Testing, convenience is key, with a widespread network of testing centers across the nation and in Georgetown, making access to our services both simple and prompt.
Quick and hassle-free access to hair testing helps businesses maintain their operations without unnecessary interruptions, enabling seamless adherence to policy compliance.
Simple, Confidential Process in Georgetown, MN
Our method of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and secure. This ensures complete confidentiality, respecting individual privacy during all stages.
In Georgetown, we prioritize users' peace of mind, offering seamless processes that address privacy concerns and facilitate efficient management of drug testing needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Georgetown, MN
With Accredited Drug Testing, competitive pricing and swift turnaround times ensure that businesses receive excellent value. This efficiency supports diverse company sizes in maximizing their operational budget.
In Georgetown, fast and budget-friendly testing solutions provide peace of mind by facilitating speedy compliance with company drug policies without straining financial resources.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Georgetown, MN
Hair follicle drug tests deliver precise and prompt outcomes. Their ability to accurately detect substance use provides top-tier reliability. In Georgetown, these tests are known for catching drug traces overlooked by other methods, ensuring quick access to insights regarding substance use patterns.
With unparalleled accuracy, hair testing stands as a reliable choice for detecting drug use. This method ensures that results reach you without delay, helping companies maintain a safe and substance-free environment efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Georgetown, MN
Utilizing hair follicle tests assists employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace standards. This method greatly mitigates legal risks and bolsters workplace safety.
For businesses in Georgetown, adopting these tests means upholding rigorous policies while fostering a secure and productive work environment, elevating overall organizational integrity.
