Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronicle of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Hair samples collected near the scalp can offer a detection range of up to around three months for substances such as drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward; it is relatively resistant to tampering and convenient for transport.
A sample 1.5 inches in length, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp, yields about 100mg—ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale is advised for measuring the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" addresses all other types (face, armpits, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This involves ensuring that the sample is appropriately sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. Despite being an economical option to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples yielding a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive outcome during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This step involves retrieving drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of any presumptively positive screening findings is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes scrutiny in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is misleading as the test primarily examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing triumphs over urine testing in its scope and reliability in Lakeville, MN. While urine tests can detect recent use, hair tests offer a longer detection window and greater accuracy.
Lakeville, MN, workplaces benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, capturing drug use over 90 days. This allows employers to glean a more comprehensive view of an employee’s or candidate’s history.
In Lakeville, MN, hair follicle testing is the gold standard for minimizing tampering risks. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, ensuring reliable results.
Our nationwide network of convenient testing centers ensures accessible testing in Lakeville, MN. We strive for ease of access and convenience across all our facilities.
Lakeville, MN residents can experience a simple and confidential drug testing process through our services. We prioritize privacy and ease, from ordering to results delivery.
In Lakeville, MN, our competitive pricing makes drug testing affordable without compromising speed. Our quick turnaround times ensure prompt feedback.
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid results, making them an excellent choice in Lakeville, MN. The analysis is designed to provide a swift and accurate assessment of substance use, distinguishing it from traditional methods.
Hair follicle testing assures compliance and peace of mind for employers in Lakeville, MN. It safeguards workplaces by aligning with drug-free policy requirements, reducing legal risks, and enhancing safety.
