Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, quite hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four crucial steps in processing a drug test in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the first stage of processing a sample within a lab’s system. It involves verifying the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carrying out any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening needs confirmation to stand up in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Greenview, MN, hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing provides a more comprehensive analysis of substance use, making it an optimal choice for employers and institutions.
Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair tests capture up to 90 days of substance use history, offering greater insight. This extended period ensures a clear picture of an individual's drug habits, thus supporting informed decision-making processes.
Employers in Greenview, MN, benefit greatly from the extended detection window of hair follicle drug testing. Unlike other methods, hair tests provide a detailed view of an individual's substance use over the past 90 days, offering a wider perspective for making employment-related decisions.
By encompassing a longer period, this testing method helps employers make more informed judgments about potential hires or current employees, aligning well with workplace policies against substance abuse.
Hair follicle drug testing in Greenview, MN, is known for its tamper-resistant qualities, which safeguard the integrity of the results. With an observed collection process, these tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering or adulteration.
This reliability ensures that test outcomes are unquestionable and trustworthy, providing peace of mind for those relying on the results to make crucial decisions regarding substance use detection.
Our testing services in Greenview, MN, are complemented by a network of nationwide and local centers, making access to hair follicle drug testing both quick and convenient. The availability of numerous locations simplifies the process, ensuring you're never far from a professional testing site.
This widespread accessibility guarantees a seamless experience, allowing individuals and companies to engage testing services without the hassle of extensive travel or prolonged waiting times.
The hair follicle testing process in Greenview, MN, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step maintains a focus on privacy, ensuring clients' sensitive information is securely handled.
With these streamlined procedures, taking a hair drug test becomes an uncomplicated and stress-free experience, providing ease of use while addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair follicle drug tests in Greenview, MN, coupled with swift turnaround times. This affordability ensures businesses of all sizes can access quality testing without straining their budgets.
The combination of cost-effectiveness and fast delivery of results provides companies with excellent value, empowering them to maintain a drug-free workplace efficiently and economically.
In Greenview, MN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their efficiency and precision. The process ensures quick and accurate results, providing a reliable method to detect substance use. Thanks to their high accuracy, these tests eliminate doubts, making them the choice for those seeking trustworthy results without delay.
This testing method's ability to swiftly deliver results is invaluable, especially in time-sensitive scenarios. Hair follicle drug tests guarantee you won't compromise on precision, allowing for informed decisions based on dependable outcomes.
In Greenview, MN, using hair follicle testing offers significant benefits for employers, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This form of testing minimizes legal risks and enhances safety in the work environment, which is crucial for all types of businesses.
By integrating hair testing into their routine, employers can achieve peace of mind knowing they are adhering to regulations, which supports a more productive and legally compliant workplace atmosphere.
