Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month detection range for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Mention of head hair strictly pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab consists of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process entails confirming that the sample was sealed and delivered properly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid check for drug use. While Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for court acceptance. All samples that test positive in Screening must be verified through secondary confirmation.
Upon a positive result in the Screening phase, more hair is harvested from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at markedly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most complex method.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hasty, MN
Hair testing emerges superior when compared to traditional urine testing. With higher detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests offer longer windows for drug detection, ensuring that any substance use does not go unnoticed. This makes it a favored choice among those employing strict testing protocols.
Extended Detection Window in Hasty, MN
Hair follicle testing provides the benefit of a longer detection period, spanning up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug history, presenting a comprehensive view of their substance use patterns over a significant period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hasty, MN
Hair follicle tests provide a high level of sample security, greatly minimizing the chance of tampering. The integrity of the samples ensures reliable results that cannot be easily manipulated, offering unquestioned outcomes for drug testing scenarios.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hasty, MN
With a network of testing centers nationwide, including in Hasty, MN, accessibility to hair testing services is both quick and convenient. This extensive reach makes obtaining testing services hassle-free, supporting clients wherever they are located.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hasty, MN
Our testing procedure is straightforward and private. From ordering to obtaining results, the process respects privacy and ease. It ensures that customers can rely on confidentiality throughout the testing phase, alleviating concerns about data security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hasty, MN
Our pricing structure is competitive, providing fast turnaround times. We aim to deliver excellent value to companies regardless of size, balancing both cost-effectiveness and efficiency for all testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hasty, MN
Hair follicle drug tests offer superior precision and speed. They boast high accuracy in substance detection, making them a preferred choice in Hasty, MN. This method ensures that results are dependable, providing clear insights into an individual's drug use, cementing them as a cornerstone in modern drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hasty, MN
Hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free protocols. It narrows down legal risks and elevates workplace safety, offering employers the peace of mind that their establishment adheres to essential safety and regulatory standards.
