Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The practice of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol usage within a roughly three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches in length and consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal amount for initial tests and confirmations. For tests involving EtG add-ons or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. In discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result follows four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the stage where the sample is initially integrated into the laboratory system. This process ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry that an electronic chain of custody system didn’t provide.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to detect drugs of abuse. While this step is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive finding in Screening requires confirmation for validity in legal settings. Samples testing potentially positive in Screening must undergo further verification.
Should a sample yield a potential positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction step. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or saliva testing, rendering hair drug screening the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive results from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Any samples with potential positives are cleansed prior to Confirmation as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Long Lake, MN
The benefits of hair testing over traditional urine tests are numerous, with hair tests offering superior accuracy and reliability. Tests assess substance use over a more extended period, making them ideal for employers seeking dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Long Lake, MN
Hair follicle tests can track drug use over an extended timeframe of up to 90 days. This long detection window provides employers with a full perspective on an applicant or employee's historical substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Long Lake, MN
Hair follicle testing substantially lowers the risk of tampering, ensuring that results are authentic and unquestionable. It offers a trustable testing method for vital decision-making processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Long Lake, MN
With testing centers nationwide, we ensure accessible, straightforward, and hassle-free testing services for all. Regardless of your location, our centers provide quick and convenient access to testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Long Lake, MN
Our testing approach is straightforward and discreet. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, the process ensures privacy and ease, addressing any confidentiality concerns you might have.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Long Lake, MN
We deliver competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, offering excellent value and confidence to businesses of any size. Our services are structured to be both cost-effective and timely.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Long Lake, MN
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and rapid processing. They are highly adept at identifying substance use, delivering results that stakeholders can trust. Their accuracy and speed offer significant advantages for employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Long Lake, MN
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures alignment with workplace drug-free regulations, minimizing legal challenges while improving safety. This method fosters a secure and compliant work environment.
