Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for detecting substance use. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, it can provide around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy, harder to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A strand measuring 1.5 inches, inclusive of about 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for specimen weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' in this context refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result consists of four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing in a lab's system. This step verifies the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for abuse substances. Though Screening is economically efficient at excluding drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples deemed positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the main specimen and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs extract from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, any samples preliminarily positive are cleansed as necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes audits under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lancaster, MN, hair follicle testing clearly surpasses urine testing in various aspects. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, as they are less susceptible to tampering. While urine tests can only detect recent substance use, hair tests provide a longer usage history.
Hair testing also significantly reduces the chance of adulterated samples, a common issue with urine tests. Additionally, hair samples naturally integrate substances, making it difficult for individuals to mask drug use, unlike urine testing where cheating strategies are well known.
Hair follicle testing in Lancaster, MN provides an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This longer period captures drug use that may be missed by other testing methods, such as urine analysis, which typically has a much shorter detection period.
The comprehensive view offered by hair follicle testing assists employers in assessing an employee's or applicant's long-term substance habits, helping ensure a drug-free workplace. By understanding an individual's substance history over a significant timeframe, employers can make informed decisions based on ongoing trends rather than isolated instances.
In Lancaster, MN, one of the significant advantages of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. Due to the way substances incorporate into hair shafts, tampering is significantly reduced compared to urine samples.
Employers and courts benefit from hair testing as it provides reliable and unquestionable results. It becomes nearly impossible for individuals to alter or substitute samples, thereby maintaining the integrity of the testing process and ensuring trustworthy results every time.
Accredited Drug Testing provides testing convenience with locations available nationwide, including in Lancaster, MN. Our centers offer quick, easy, and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services for individuals and businesses.
With our extensive network of testing facilities, scheduling a test at a convenient location has never been more seamless. Our local presence ensures that residents and businesses can access top-tier testing services without the inconvenience of long travel distances or extended wait times.
The process of hair follicle testing in Lancaster, MN is both simple and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and results delivery, every step is designed to protect the privacy of individuals while providing ease of use.
Clients can expect a streamlined experience, with the ability to order tests online or by phone, ensuring confidentiality at every stage. This approach guarantees that sensitive information is managed discreetly, alleviating any concerns regarding privacy.
In Lancaster, MN, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, ensuring it is accessible for companies of all sizes. Our affordable rates do not compromise on quality, delivering excellent value alongside swift service.
In addition to cost-effectiveness, our testing services boast fast turnaround times, providing peace of mind through prompt delivery of results. This efficiency aids businesses in making timely decisions, reinforcing safety and compliance without incurring high expenses.
The hair follicle drug test is known for its quick and dependable results, making it an ideal choice in Lancaster, MN. With fast processing times and precise detection, employers and courts can rely on hair testing to accurately assess substance use patterns. The precision of this testing method ensures that even low levels of drug use are detected.
In addition to accuracy, the speed of hair follicle testing is unmatched. Results are typically available in a shorter timeframe compared to other testing methods, providing prompt and reliable outcomes. This efficiency supports timely decision-making processes, critical for employment, legal decisions, and treatment adjustments.
Using hair follicle testing in Lancaster, MN ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind to employers. This method supports maintaining a safe and legal workplace environment by accurately identifying drug use over extended periods.
Compliance with drug policies through hair follicle testing reduces the risk of workplace accidents and legal liabilities. It ensures that employees adhere to policies, thus creating a safer, more productive work environment that fosters mutual confidence between employers and employees.
