Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a crucial method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a timeline of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to about three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, making it tough to tamper with and simple to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and comprising around 200 hairs (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for testing and verification purposes. For additional testing like EtG or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighting the sample. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to hair from elsewhere (like facial and armpit hair).
Process Overview
There are four key phases in processing a lab drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is when the sample first enters the lab's system. This step ensures the sample's container is sealed and delivered correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial, speedy assessment to detect substance abuse. Although it's a cost-efficient method for ignoring drug use in most specimens, any positive result during screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples flagged as presumptive positives need further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a possible positive, more hair is gathered from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are retrieved from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing especially challenging to carry out.
Confirming a positive Screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive initially are cleansed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests," these tests assess the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Analysis Surpasses Urine Testing in Ivanhoe, MN. Hair testing is unmatched in its detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair assessments capture a wide range of substances over an extended period, offering employers insight into consistent substance use patterns.
Longlasting Visibility into Substance History in Ivanhoe, MN, hair follicle assessments can detect drug usage for as long as 90 days, offering a comprehensive review of an individual's substance history, a significant advantage for employers in evaluating candidate and employee compliance.
Secure and Trustworthy Testing Method in Ivanhoe, MN, hair follicle tests are notably resistant to tampering, offering defensible and foolproof results. These tests eliminate the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that the outcomes remain undisputed and authentic.
Accessible Testing Centers Nationwide, Including Ivanhoe, MN, our extensive network of testing locations allows for convenient and stress-free testing services. This ensures that no matter where you are, reliable testing is within easy reach.
Effortless and Discreet Process in Ivanhoe, MN, our testing procedures are straightforward and confidential, making it easy for individuals and employers to request, undertake, and receive results, all while maintaining privacy and simplicity.
Cost-Effective Solutions and Quick Results in Ivanhoe, MN, competitive pricing and swift results provide tremendous value to companies of any size, ensuring budget-friendly and efficient solutions for all testing needs.
Achieving Swift and Reliable Outcomes in Ivanhoe, MN, hair follicle testing offers precision in detecting substance use. By accurately identifying the presence of drugs, the method is invaluable for employers seeking dependable verification of substance use, achieving fast and clear results that add to workplace safety.
Assuring Compliance and Confidence for Employers in Ivanhoe, MN, utilizing hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug policies. This minimizes legal ramifications while bolstering overall workplace safety, giving employers peace of mind.
