Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust instrument for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's girth) nearest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for examination and verification. For EtG, additional elements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to gauge the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be retrieved. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other categories (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test outcome entails four primary procedures: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This step includes ensuring the sample is appropriately sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out an initial rapid evaluation for substance misuse. Although Screening presents a cost-effective strategy to dismiss drug use in most samples, to be valid in legal scenarios, a positive screen necessitates confirmation. Samples with presumptive positive outcomes in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more strands are extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis poses the greatest challenge.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Tops Urine Testing in Luce, MN
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine testing, the former offers unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests analyze substance usage over longer periods, providing detailed insights into an individual's history. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing is unyielding as it collects data from hair growth over time.
Longer Detection Window in Luce, MN
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can trace drug use up to 90 days back. This extensive timeframe provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, ensuring informed decision-making regarding employment.
Reduced Risk of Sample Adulteration in Luce, MN
The stringent methodology of hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. This reliable and secure testing method offers unquestionable results, ensuring peace of mind for employers and legal authorities alike.
Easy Access with Extensive Testing Locations in Luce, MN
With our network of nationwide testing centers, obtaining hair follicle tests is both quick and convenient. Whether in Luce or elsewhere, access to our services is hassle-free, providing efficiency without compromising on service quality.
Confidential and Simple Testing Process in Luce, MN
Our testing process prioritizes both simplicity and privacy. From ordering to testing and result reception, every step is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively while maintaining ease of use.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Service in Luce, MN
Our pricing structure is competitive, offering excellent value alongside fast turnaround times. This combination provides companies of all sizes with significant peace of mind, knowing they are receiving quality service without inflated costs.
Speedy, Precise Results in Luce, MN
Hair follicle drug testing is known for its swift and accurate results. The meticulous process ensures high precision in substance detection, making it a trusted choice for employers seeking reliable information on potential new hires or current employees.
Ensuring Compliance and Workplace Safety in Luce, MN
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing potential legal liabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety. This rigorous testing supports a secure and compliant working environment.
