Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair that are growing. When the hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer up to a 90-day window of detection for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the samples are less prone to tampering, and they are also easy to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield a 100mg sample, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be sampled. Scalp hair refers specifically to hair on the head, while body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test outcome in a lab includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the starting process of integrating a sample into a laboratory's database. It encompasses confirming the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and finalizing any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Although a cost-effective method for ruling out drug usage in many samples, a positive result in Screening must be verified for legal validity. Any results that are presumptive positives from the Screening stage must go through confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves a lower concentration extraction of drugs from the hair than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), signifying the complexity of performing hair drug screenings.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Before confirmation, all samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleaned as necessary. Each step, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review based on the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle located under the scalp.
Benefits of Hair Testing Over Urine Testing
Hair follicle tests provide Medina, MN, with unparalleled advantages over conventional urine tests. The primary benefit is superior detection accuracy, capturing a broader scope of substances over an extended period. This method outshines in reliability, offering an objective and comprehensive overview of substance use history, making it indispensable for thorough evaluations in sensitive environments.
Extended Detection Window
In Medina, MN, hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to monitor substance use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This generous detection window allows employers and institutions to gain a full understanding of an individual’s history of drug use, providing a robust scenario for making informed decisions concerning recruitment and ongoing employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Medina, MN, drastically cuts down risks associated with sample adulteration. This superior method ensures that results remain trustworthy and irrefutable, given the difficulty of tampering with hair samples. This paradigm shift towards a more rigorous testing protocol safeguards integrity, paving the way for reliable diagnostics.
Convenient Testing Locations
With extensive nationwide testing sites, including local options in Medina, MN, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience. Clients can access quick and hassle-free testing services, ensuring that all requirements are met promptly and efficiently without unnecessary travel or delay, reinforcing the importance of accessibility in testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Medina, MN, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, every step is designed to prioritize ease and privacy. This approach ensures that clients experience a seamless process, alleviating concerns about confidentiality while providing a user-friendly experience throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Medina, MN, benefits from competitive pricing and rapid result delivery with Accredited Drug Testing. Our attractive pricing structure ensures that companies of all sizes receive excellent value, coupled with quick turnaround times that expedite decision-making processes. This combination delivers outstanding service and peace of mind.
Fast and Reliable Results
In Medina, MN, hair follicle drug testing boasts unprecedented precision and rapid diagnostic capabilities. This cutting-edge method ensures high accuracy in identifying substances, offering results that clients can trust. The integration of advanced technology in hair testing ensures that users receive swift feedback, crucial for timely decision-making in both personal and professional contexts.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
For Medina, MN employers, integrating hair follicle testing ensures alignment with drug-free workplace regulations, significantly reducing legal risks. This strategy not only bolsters safety but also enhances organizational reliability, offering reassurance and peace of mind to employers committed to maintaining compliant and secure working environments.
