Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly acknowledged as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by ensnaring biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal usage up to roughly a 3-month timespan for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is easy, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch length consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, extensions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of sample is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. Should scalp hair be scarce, an equivalent volume of body hair is suitable. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory drug test analysis include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s database. This involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive result requires further verification for legal acceptability. Samples indicating presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests as presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most complex method to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the strand of hair and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hermantown, MN: Hair analysis offers a broader detection window compared to conventional urine tests, providing superior detection and accuracy. Hair tests are less prone to manipulation and deliver comprehensive substance use insights that employers can trust.
Extended Detection Window in Hermantown, MN: Hair follicle testing excels with its ability to trace drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection capability gives employers a more complete view of an individual’s past drug use, aiding in better decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hermantown, MN: Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chances of sample tampering, offering unquestionable results. This method ensures that the integrity of the sample is maintained, making it a highly reliable choice for drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hermantown, MN: With testing centers across the nation, our services are easy to access, offering convenience and efficiency. This widespread availability ensures that testing can be conducted swiftly and without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hermantown, MN: Our straightforward, discreet approach for ordering, testing, and results retrieval ensures privacy and ease. Addressing confidentiality concerns, the process remains user-friendly while maintaining strict privacy standards.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hermantown, MN: Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery offer excellent value, catering to businesses of varying sizes. This combination of cost-effectiveness and speed ensures peace of mind and efficiency for all clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hermantown, MN, are crucial for effective drug testing. Hair follicle tests stand out by delivering precise and quick outcomes. Their high level of accuracy in substance detection ensures reliable assessments, making them an ideal choice for ensuring a safe, compliant workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hermantown, MN: Hair follicle testing supports workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal issues while promoting a safer environment. By opting for this method, employers can maintain compliance and peace of mind.