Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a detailed historical record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system, which includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive Screening result must be confirmed to be admissible in judicial proceedings. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most sophisticated methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed pre-confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Landfall, MN, hair follicle testing offers significant benefits over traditional urine testing. This method provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing drug use over a more extended period. Hair testing's observed collection process enhances the test's integrity.
While urine testing is still reliable for detecting recent drug use, hair follicle testing excels in identifying patterns of substance use over a more extended period, providing a clearer picture of an individual's history.
Hair follicle testing in Landfall, MN, is notable for its extended detection window, capturing drug use history for up to 90 days. This provides employers with an in-depth view of an individual's substance use, surpassing the capabilities of shorter-term tests.
The extended window of detection is critical for roles requiring high responsibility, where a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's history can help ensure safety and reliability in operations.
Hair follicle testing in Landfall, MN, significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, offering reliable results that are hard to question. This method is nearly impervious to adulteration compared to other drug testing methods.
The inherent resistance to tampering in hair follicle tests provides peace of mind to organizations concerned about test reliability. This method's integrity is beneficial in legal and employment contexts, where the accuracy of results is of utmost importance.
In Landfall, MN, every convenience is afforded through our nationwide network of testing centers. With locations across different regions, finding a nearby center is straightforward. This broad accessibility ensures that testing services are quick and hassle-free.
Local accessibility of testing centers simplifies the arrangement of tests for individuals and employers alike, minimizing the time and effort needed for compliance and safety checks.
Our simple and confidential process in Landfall, MN, ensures privacy and ease. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is designed with user-friendliness in mind, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Utilizing a streamlined approach, we create a stress-free experience, guaranteeing that participants can complete testing with confidence, secure in the knowledge that personal data is handled discreetly.
Offering competitive pricing in Landfall, MN, we ensure that hair follicle testing is accessible and cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. Our quick turnaround times add to the exceptional value, providing peace of mind to employers.
Employers are assured of receiving excellent service that leverages cost savings without sacrificing quality, with a focus on delivering timely results that aid in maintaining workplace standards efficiently.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Landfall, MN, are unmatched. These tests provide high accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring results are both fast and reliable. Hair tests stand out for their ability to detect a wide range of drugs effectively.
Employers and individuals alike appreciate the efficiency of hair follicle testing, as it combines quick processing with accurate detection, reducing the waiting period for results while maintaining dependability.
For employers in Landfall, MN, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks. This testing method enhances workplace safety by accurately identifying individuals who violate these policies.
Implementing hair follicle testing provides employers with peace of mind, knowing they are upholding their commitment to a safe, drug-free environment, which can positively affect productivity and professional relationships.
