Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective instrument for identifying substance and alcohol use. Hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample composed of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is recommended. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advisable. If scalp hair isn't available, an analogous quantity of body hair may be utilized. The term head hair refers to scalp hair specifically. All other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.) are referred to as body hair.
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in the lab consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This step involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pertinent data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require secondary verification.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extracting phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening as a method.
Verification of any presumptive positive results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Beats Urine Testing in Murdock, MN
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests in several ways. They offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing substance use over months rather than days. This extensive detection window gives employers invaluable insights into an individual's drug use history, unmatched by urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Murdock, MN
Unlike traditional testing methods, hair follicle tests offer a longer detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This advantage helps employers make informed decisions regarding an applicant or employee's substance use history, providing a detailed overview.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Murdock, MN
Hair follicle tests minimize the chance of sample tampering, yielding credible and incontestable results. This tamper-resistant approach ensures testing integrity, benefiting employers who require dependable information about substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Murdock, MN
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures effortless access to testing services. Whether you're in Murdock or beyond, quick and hassle-free testing is available, providing convenience and efficiency to meet your needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Murdock, MN
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and discreet. This tailored approach respects privacy and simplifies the experience, making it worry-free for all participants while ensuring confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Murdock, MN
Our cost-effective pricing and prompt result delivery offer businesses exceptional value. Quick turnaround times and competitive rates ensure companies of all sizes access quality testing services, promoting economic efficiency and ease.
Fast and Accurate Hair Testing in Murdock, MN
Experience the advantage of swift, precise, and trustworthy hair follicle drug tests. Their high accuracy ensures quick detection of substance use, providing reliable results for individuals and employers alike. This advanced testing method stands out in delivering timely and accurate assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Murdock, MN
Employing hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. This method fosters a secure work environment, offering employers peace of mind in regulating workplace safety standards.
