Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sample testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture biomarkers within the strands, offering a detailed account of alcohol and drug history over time. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month usage history for substances including alcohol. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A hair specimen of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is scarce, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair solely pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the preliminary processing of a specimen within a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent from an electronic custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening economically eliminates drug usage in most cases, a positive finding must be validated for judicial acceptance. Samples provisionally positive at Screening require further verification.
For specimens testing presumptively positive during Screening, an additional quantity of hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at far lesser concentrations than other tests (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmatory testing for any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously reviewed per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", this analysis evaluates the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hope, MN. Comparing hair testing to traditional urine tests reveals superior detection and reliability. Hair tests capture a wider window of substance use and minimize tampering risks. This method provides higher accuracy and reliability, meeting the demands of employers and institutions in Hope, MN, enforcing strict substance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Hope, MN. Hair follicle testing spans up to 90 days, allowing for a comprehensive review of an individual's substance history. Employers in Hope, MN, benefit by obtaining a clear understanding of potential candidates or current employees, facilitating well-informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hope, MN. One key advantage of hair follicle testing is its resilience against sample adulteration. This method significantly lowers the risk of invalid results, offering dependable and unquestionable outcomes, which is crucial for businesses and legal settings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hope, MN. With centers spread across the nation, access to testing services is seamless. Lab facilities in and around Hope, MN ensure locals experience prompt, efficient, and straightforward testing experiences without travel burdens.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hope, MN. The testing process is straightforward and secure, addressing any privacy concerns. From order placement to test-taking and result retrieval, the entire procedure is designed for user-friendliness and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hope, MN. Our pricing structures are competitive while maintaining swift turnaround times. This offers an excellent value proposition for companies of all sizes in Hope, MN, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and timely results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hope, MN. Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their exceptional precision and swiftness in identifying substance use. The superior accuracy offered by these tests ensures that substance use is reliably detected, providing dependable information for both individuals and institutions in Hope, MN.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hope, MN. Embracing hair follicle testing assures employers' adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal pitfalls and bolsters workplace safety, offering peace of mind through comprehensive drug testing solutions.
