Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the developing hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can reveal usage over a span of roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The key steps entailed in the laboratory examination of drug testing results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step involving the integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This involves affirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary, rapid evaluation for potential drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy for discounting drug use across most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are derived from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging approach.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation 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 labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test inspects the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing and urine tests in Hokah, MN, the former consistently proves superior. The hair follicle test provides extensive detection accuracy and reliability, far beyond traditional urine tests. Its ability to uncover substance use over prolonged periods offers a more comprehensive view, making it a preferred choice for robust screening protocols.
Hair follicle testing in Hokah, MN, offers unparalleled insights into an individual's drug use history. With the capability to detect substances up to 90 days back, this method affords employers a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's past substance interactions. The extended detection window equips decision-makers with the information needed for informed choices.
In Hokah, MN, hair follicle tests offer a highly secure testing method that minimizes the chance of sample tampering. This method ensures that each test is conducted with integrity and results are both reliable and indisputable, reducing the risks of sample adulteration significantly compared to other testing options.
Hokah, MN, residents and businesses can conveniently access drug testing services thanks to our nationwide network of testing centers. With multiple locations providing easy and hassle-free access, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that testing services are readily available, offering convenience and prompt service to all clients.
Our process in Hokah, MN, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, from ordering and taking the test to receiving the results. By prioritizing privacy and ease of use, we make the entire hair follicle testing process seamless, addressing any concerns about confidentiality head-on.
In Hokah, MN, our pricing structures are competitive, providing affordable solutions without compromising quality. Combined with quick turnaround times, companies benefit from excellent value and peace of mind, knowing they receive accurate results in a timely manner, enhancing operational efficiency.
In Hokah, MN, hair follicle testing stands out for its swift and precise results. This methodology excels in its ability to accurately detect drug use, offering a reliable solution that is unmatched. Employers who seek out definitive results can trust in this testing's speed and accuracy, ensuring timely decisions based on trustworthy data.
Employers in Hokah, MN, benefit from the compliance assurance that hair follicle testing provides. Utilizing this testing method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal risks and fostering a safer working environment. It offers peace of mind, ensuring that company standards and regulations are reliably met.
