Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair accumulates biomarkers within its strands as it grows, offering a comprehensive timeline of substance use. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol intake over a span that may reach three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the circumference of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides about 100 mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150 mg amount is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t an option, equivalent body hair may be substituted. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The processing in the lab for drug test results is comprised of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first logged into the lab system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening initiates a preliminary check for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical approach for excluding drug consumption in most samples, positive findings necessitate confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples that screen positive nonetheless require a follow-up verification.
For samples showing positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex technique to execute.
Positive screening outcomes are corroborated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potential positives undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. A review of the entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often known as "hair follicle tests," this test examines the strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Hair testing in Mendota, MN, surpasses urine testing with its superior detection and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a much longer detection timeline and offers enhanced accuracy, making it a preferred choice for employers enforcing drug-free policies.
The hair follicle testing in Mendota, MN, offers an extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended period affords employers a full view of an individual's substance history, essential for informed decision-making regarding applicants or current staff.
In Mendota, MN, the adoption of hair follicle tests greatly reduces the risk of sample tampering. By utilizing this method, the integrity of drug testing is preserved, offering reliable results that are difficult to dispute, enhancing the credibility of the assessment.
With convenient testing centers across the nation, Mendota, MN, residents enjoy easy access to our services. This widespread availability guarantees a fast and hassle-free testing process, benefiting both individuals and businesses.
Our testing process in Mendota, MN, is straightforward and confidential, assuring privacy from test ordering through to result receipt. These features ease concerns regarding personal information, providing a user-friendly experience for all involved.
Mendota, MN, boasts competitive pricing and quick turnaround for hair follicle testing. We offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they maintain workplace safety without stretching budgets, making it a prudent choice for all.
In Mendota, MN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and accurate results. They swiftly detect substance use with a high degree of reliability. The thorough analysis ensures that any trace of drugs is identified accurately, setting new standards for testing efficiency.
Employers in Mendota, MN, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and promotes a safer work environment, contributing to a reliably drug-free space.
