Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. It captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the developing hair fibers. Hair taken near the scalp can reveal a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, making it challenging to tamper with and simple to transport.
A hair sample taken near the scalp, measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil), will yield 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair serves as an alternative. When mentioning head hair, the implication is scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results involves the four steps of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment. It includes assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) and inputting additional data not captured by a digital custody system.
Screening entails a quick initial assessment for substances. While it's a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive indication requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further validation.
In cases of presumptive positive findings during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair analysis the most challenging in practice.
The GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive screening outcome. Presumptive positives must be cleansed before confirmation as needed. This comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the process evaluates the hair shaft itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Indus, MN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle analyses offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. These tests provide a more comprehensive view over a longer period, making them a preferred choice for many screening scenarios.
Extended Detection Window in Indus, MN
With an ability to trace drug use over a 90-day period, hair follicle testing provides employers with a detailed insight into a candidate’s substance history, surpassing the limitations of shorter detection windows.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Indus, MN
The design of hair follicle tests greatly minimizes sample tampering risks, ensuring the results obtained are reliable and indisputable. This aspect enhances the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Indus, MN
The strategic placement of our testing centers nationwide, including locally in Indus, MN, guarantees swift, simple, and unhindered access to testing facilities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Indus, MN
Our process ensures simplicity and confidentiality from test ordering, conducting the test, to result retrieval, addressing privacy concerns and ease of use effortlessly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Indus, MN
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times deliver exceptional value, catering seamlessly to companies of diverse scales.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Indus, MN
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and swiftness, offering highly accurate detection of substance use. This testing method ensures that the results you receive are both reliable and timely, reinforcing trust in its applicability for varied needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Indus, MN
Adopting hair follicle testing helps organizations adhere to drug-free workplace directives, minimizing legal liabilities while boosting workplace safety and employers' peace of mind.
