Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equal quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we imply scalp hair alone. Body hair signifies all other kinds of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test results encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step confirms that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid examination for substances of abuse. While Screening offers an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, results showing a positive must be validated for legal acceptability. Samples that seem positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a Screening result suggests a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this step, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation in conjunction with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the underlying follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lewiston, MN outshines traditional urine tests in several ways. Its superior detection accuracy offers unparalleled reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a longer detection window and reduced chances of cheating. As a result, organizations can feel more confident in the integrity of the testing outcomes, leading to informed and fair decisions.
The extended detection window that hair follicle testing in Lewiston, MN offers is unmatched. It can trace drug use for as long as 90 days, providing employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history. This comprehensive view ensures that decisions regarding employment or compliance are based on sound evidence over an extended period, thus enhancing workplace safety and productivity.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle tests in Lewiston, MN is their resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, these tests significantly lower the risk of sample adulteration, guaranteeing reliable and uncontested results. This integrity ensures that testing outcomes are trustworthy, giving employers peace of mind when making critical decisions that affect workplace safety and compliance.
In Lewiston, MN, the convenience of having nationwide testing centers ensures that accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free. With locations readily available, individuals and companies can easily coordinate their testing needs without unnecessary delays. This widespread network simplifies the testing process, making it more accessible for everyone involved.
The hair follicle testing process in Lewiston, MN is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. Individuals can confidently engage in testing procedures, knowing that their personal information is protected throughout the process. This approach addresses privacy concerns effectively.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times are hallmarks of affordable hair follicle testing services in Lewiston, MN. Businesses, regardless of their size, can benefit from the value these testing selections offer. The affordability paired with rapid result delivery ensures that organizations receive excellent service while maintaining budget efficiency, contributing to overall peace of mind.
Hair follicle testing in Lewiston, MN offers remarkable precision and swift results. The high accuracy associated with this method allows for reliable detection of various substances. Companies can trust the integrity of results, which are usually processed quickly to maintain efficient decision-making processes. This testing method is invaluable for its consistent precision.
Hair follicle testing in Lewiston, MN plays a pivotal role in assuring workplace compliance and peace of mind. By incorporating this testing method, employers can adhere to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks. The reliable results provided by hair follicle tests support a safer work environment, fostering a sense of security and confidence for employers and employees alike.
