Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When sampled near the scalp, it can provide up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and validating. For EtG, extras, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial, axillary, and more.
Process Overview
The procedural steps in the lab processing of a drug test consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. It involves checking that the sample is sealed and shipped appropriately, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed data entry outside of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary check for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for further preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most complex method to perform.
Positive screen results require Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before Confirmation, all tentative positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The entire lab process, 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: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lester Prairie, MN Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests through superior detection accuracy and reliability. Not only is the detection window extended, but the tests are also harder to manipulate. These tests ensure employers and authorities can confidently monitor and evaluate substance use, ensuring a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Lester Prairie, MN One key advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug usage over an extended period, up to 90 days. This broad detection frame provides employers with detailed insights into an individual's prolonged substance history, offering a more comprehensive overview than shorter-term tests like urine screenings.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lester Prairie, MN Hair follicle testing offers a significant reduction in the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that results are trustworthy. The test requires direct collection under supervision, minimizing the chance for adulteration and providing peace of mind with its integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lester Prairie, MN With testing centers available nationwide, including local options in Lester Prairie, MN, our services offer unparalleled convenience. This extensive network ensures accessible and straightforward testing processes for individuals and companies, reducing time and effort in obtaining necessary tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lester Prairie, MN Our hair follicle testing procedure prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality at every step. From ordering to receiving results, user privacy is safeguarded. The entire process ensures users encounter ease and discretion, allaying common concerns associated with drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lester Prairie, MN Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times present excellent value to businesses of all sizes. Affordable rates, combined with quick, reliable results, allow companies to maintain diligent testing without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lester Prairie, MN Speed and precision define hair follicle drug tests, quickly delivering clear results that accurately reveal substance usage. This efficiency in the testing process ensures that individuals and organizations receive dependable assessments promptly, keeping them informed without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lester Prairie, MN Utilizing hair follicle testing helps organizations maintain compliance with their drug-free policies. It minimizes legal risks while promoting a safe workplace. Employers gain assurance knowing that their screening methods are robust and that they're actively fostering a secure working environment.
