Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now viewed as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can yield an alcohol and drug detection window that extends up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and verification. For tests like EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most cases, positive results require confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare it for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluid, illustrating why hair drug screening is considered one of the most challenging methodologies to implement.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Even though these tests are often referenced as "hair follicle tests," they analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Minnesota City, MN surpasses urine testing by providing superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to short detection windows, hair tests offer a comprehensive review of substance use over an extended period.
Employers and officials often favor hair testing for its robust detection and reduced risk of sample tampering. For those serious about maintaining a safe, drug-free environment, hair testing offers an unparalleled advantage over traditional urine tests.
In Minnesota City, MN, hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This gives employers a broader perspective on an individual's substance habits.
Such extended detection capabilities help employers make informed hiring or monitoring decisions, offering insights into long-term substance use patterns that other tests simply cannot provide.
Hair follicle tests in Minnesota City, MN, are designed to be tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The method's reliability ensures that the test outcomes are unquestionable.
This integrity makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for maintaining accurate records of substance use, as attempts to alter or mask results are virtually nonexistent compared to other testing methods.
With testing centers across the nation and locally in Minnesota City, MN, Accredited Drug Testing offers unmatched convenience. Quick and hassle-free access to testing services is a significant advantage for employers and individuals alike.
The extensive network of locations ensures that wherever you are, a reliable testing center is within reach, making the entire process seamless and efficient.
In Minnesota City, MN, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing ensures privacy at every step, from ordering tests to receiving results, addressing all privacy concerns adequately.
Users experience an easy and straightforward procedure, reflecting a commitment to confidentiality and user-friendly services. This makes hair testing an appealing choice for those valuing discretion and efficiency.
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Minnesota City, MN, ensuring excellent value. Their affordable pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes.
Fast results coupled with cost-effectiveness offer peace of mind and ensure businesses can maintain compliance without financial strain, making it a viable option for consistent testing practices.
In Minnesota City, MN, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method excels in precision, identifying substance use with high accuracy, ensuring that results are not only quick but also dependable.
The speed and accuracy of hair sampling make it an excellent choice for those needing immediate and trustworthy drug test outcomes. Hair tests analyze substances in a way that enhances detection precision, enabling timely interventions when necessary.
Employers in Minnesota City, MN, use hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety by providing dependable drug use assessments.
The peace of mind from using a reliable testing method makes hair follicle testing invaluable. It helps employers uphold a safe, productive work environment, free from the influence of drugs.
