Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately three-month timeframe for detecting drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides around 100mg, which is the perfect amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond ten panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If head hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in processing drug test results in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, which involves cataloging a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. While Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified for legal proceedings. Any samples with presumptive positive results from Screening require a secondary confirmation.
When a sample results in a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted for further processing. Drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing testing methods, hair follicle testing in Inver Grove Heights, MN, outshines urine tests. It offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, providing a historical account of substance use. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests cover a more extended detection period, making them indispensable for organizations committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Inver Grove Heights, MN, benefits from hair follicle drug testing's extended detection capability, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough insight into an individual's substance usage history. Such extensive reach ensures that employers can better assess the potential risk and reliability of an applicant or current employee, surpassing the limitations of shorter detection windows in other testing methods.
Hair follicle tests in Inver Grove Heights, MN, are renowned for their robust tamper-resistance. The complexity and nature of the testing process reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results. This provides confidence in the integrity of data collected, safeguarding against potential fraud or deception.
Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience with local and nationwide testing locations, including in Inver Grove Heights, MN. This network ensures efficient access to testing services, allowing individuals and employers a hassle-free experience. The strategic placement of these centers promotes swift and uncomplicated testing processes for all involved.
The drug testing process in Inver Grove Heights, MN, is both simple and confidential. Ordering a test, undergoing the process, and receiving results are streamlined to protect privacy and ensure ease of use. This user-friendly approach addresses concerns about testing intricacies, fostering a service that's both accessible and respectful of confidentiality for all clients.
Inver Grove Heights, MN, benefits from competitive pricing and quick results in hair follicle drug testing. Our affordable pricing structures, combined with fast turnaround times, deliver excellent value. This appeals to companies of all sizes, offering high-quality services without burdening budgets, and ensuring timely access to crucial information.
In Inver Grove Heights, MN, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, precise, and reliable results. The accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use is unmatched, providing peace of mind for employers and individuals alike. The efficiency in delivering outcomes ensures that decisions can be made swiftly and confidently, underscoring the superiority of this testing method.
Employers in Inver Grove Heights, MN, gain significant peace of mind through hair follicle testing. It assists in adhering to workplace drug policies and minimizes legal risks. By ensuring comprehensive substance surveillance, employers can maintain a secure and compliant working environment, reinforcing safety and trust while remaining aligned with industry regulations.
