Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the progressively growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test is divided into four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, positive results from Screening require confirmation to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. At this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology to conduct.
Any positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hills, MN: In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing excels in detecting drug use, offering higher accuracy and reliability. Employers adopting this method can ensure enhanced drug screening, vital for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Hills, MN: Hair testing allows identification of drug use over a much more extended period, typically up to 90 days. This feature offers employers a wider scope of awareness of an individual's substance history, assisting in making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hills, MN: Hair follicle testing markedly lowers the risk of sample tampering, guaranteeing authenticity and dependability. It’s a testing method that upholds high accuracy, providing employers with unquestionable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hills, MN: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that accessing drug testing services is straightforward and stress-free for individuals and companies alike, reaffirming our commitment to convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hills, MN: The procedure for ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns. Results are delivered promptly, ensuring discretion and simplicity throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hills, MN: Our competitive pricing paired with rapid result processing offers excellent value to businesses of any size. These features promise peace of mind with cost-effective and timely solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hills, MN: Hair follicle tests provide swift and precise identification of substance use, distinguishing themselves by their superior accuracy. These tests ensure reliable results with rapid processing, confirming the presence of drugs effectively.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hills, MN: Utilizing hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to drug-free policies in the workplace. This testing method aids in minimizing legal risks while enhancing safety and morale among employees.
