Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair allows for a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, quite resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample weight of 150mg is suggested. It is recommended to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent sample of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment are intact, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening consists of an initial cursory examination for substances. Though Screening offers an economical way to identify drug use for the bulk of specimens, a positive result mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Positive findings in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should the sample yield a positive result in Screening, additional hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most intricate technique.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Throughout, all samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to conventional urine tests in Graceville, MN, the benefits are clear. Hair tests surpass urine tests in accuracy and reliability, providing an extensive detection window that urine tests cannot. This superior detection capacity means employers have better insights into an individual’s past substance usage, making it the preferred choice for those in need of comprehensive testing solutions.
One striking advantage of hair follicle testing in Graceville, MN is its extended detection period. Unlike other methods, hair testing can reveal substance use up to 90 days prior. This allows employers a broader understanding of an individual’s history, aiding in making well-informed decisions regarding applicants or employees and ensuring a more drug-aware workplace environment.
Graceville, MN benefits significantly from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. These tests lower the risk of sample tampering seen in other methods, providing results that are trustworthy and difficult to falsify. With such robustness, individuals and organizations can depend on hair tests to present an accurate reflection of substance use history.
Our vast network of testing centers, including local sites in Graceville, MN, makes accessing our hair follicle testing services simple and convenient. Nationwide locations ensure minimal hassle for those needing prompt testing, making it easy for individuals and companies alike to utilize our services without delay, enjoying seamless service no matter where they are.
In Graceville, MN, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From order placement to sample collection and result delivery, every step is designed for ease and privacy. Clients can rest assured knowing their data is handled with discretion, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a smooth testing experience from start to finish.
Competitively priced and with quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Graceville, MN offers great value for businesses of all sizes. Our pricing structures are designed to be affordable, ensuring that companies can access high-quality testing without breaking the bank. Prompt results further enhance this value, providing companies the reassurance they need swiftly.
Hair follicle testing in Graceville, MN offers unparalleled precision and speed, delivering quick and exact results. Unlike traditional testing methods, these tests utilize hair samples to detect substance use with high reliability. The efficiency of the process ensures rapid turnaround, granting individuals and employers the details they need promptly, enhancing confidence in the results provided.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Graceville, MN ensures that employers can uphold workplace drug-free policies with ease. This testing method reduces the likelihood of legal challenges and enhances overall workplace safety, offering businesses peace of mind. By adhering to such protocols, organizations affirm their commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant environment for all employees.
