Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to alter, and easy to transport.
Taking a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for substance misuse. Although Screening presents a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires verification for legal acceptability. Samples presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample shows positive results in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked preliminarily positive are cleansed as needed before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strand and not the root beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Huntley, MN? Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, providing a detailed overview of substance use compared to the traditional urine tests.
The advantages of hair testing over urine include a longer detection period, greater confidence in the results, and reduced chances of sample tampering, making it a preferred choice for many organizations and institutions.
Hair follicle testing in Huntley, MN, allows for a much more extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days, compared to other testing methods.
This extensive detection capability provides employers with a thorough overview of an applicant or employee's substance history, promoting informed employment decisions and enhanced workplace safety.
In Huntley, MN, hair follicle tests are an excellent choice for tamper-resistant drug testing. This method greatly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
Hair testing's stringent collection procedures make it challenging for individuals to tamper with their samples, leading to trustworthy and accurate outcomes.
Convenience is key in Huntley, MN, with accessible testing locations. Our nationwide centers make getting a drug test simple and hassle-free, ensuring that no matter where you are, testing services are within reach.
This accessibility ensures that individuals can easily attend appointments, facilitating smooth and efficient testing procedures.
The process for hair follicle testing in Huntley, MN, is straightforward and confidential. Simple ordering, easy testing, and secure results provide peace of mind for those concerned about privacy.
This seamless process addresses any apprehensions, ensuring user-friendly procedures that maintain confidentiality throughout each stage.
Huntley, MN, offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround with hair follicle testing. These services provide excellent value for companies, regardless of their size, ensuring high-quality testing at affordable rates.
The fast turnaround times ensure that businesses can operate efficiently, receiving results promptly to continue their business operations with minimal delay.
In Huntley, MN, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast, accurate results. They stand out for their precision in detecting substance use, offering enhanced reliability for various testing needs.
The quick processing times of hair follicle tests ensure that results are provided promptly, aiding employers in making informed decisions with confidence. The high accuracy of these tests assures precise detection of drug and alcohol usage.
Employers in Huntley, MN, gain significant compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. It strengthens adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks.
By integrating hair testing into their drug policy, businesses benefit from creating a safer work environment, enhancing both employee well-being and organizational integrity.
