Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands can capture long-term alcohol and drug history by holding onto biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When hair is clipped close to the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Its collection process is straightforward, it is relatively hard to tamper with, and it is simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, expanded panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Laboratory drug test result processing involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary steps needed to integrate a sample into the lab’s operations. This involves assuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input omitted by any electronic custody systems.
Screening pertains to the initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. Although it offers a cost-effective approach to negate drug use in the majority of cases, a positive result in the screening phase must be confirmed for legal validity. Presumptively positive screenings mandate an additional confirmation phase.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the gathered sample to undergo Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from the hair at lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmatory tests for any positive screening outcomes are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to this confirmation stage if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines for Hair and evaluated against ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing holds several advantages over urine tests in New Richland, MN. Its superior accuracy in detection and reliability makes it a preferred choice for employers. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing offers a much longer detection timeframe, proving to be a more comprehensive drug use indicator.
In New Richland, MN, hair follicle testing provides detection of drug usage over an extended period, up to 90 days. This capability gives employers a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance use history, ensuring informed decisions can be made with comprehensive data.
New Richland, MN, has witnessed hair follicle tests becoming the go-to due to their tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly curtail the chances of sample adulteration, guaranteeing results that are reliable and beyond reproach. This makes them an invaluable asset in environments demanding integrity.
In New Richland, MN, and beyond, our testing centers are conveniently located nationwide. This ensures that accessing our hair testing services is a simple, quick, and stress-free process for everyone, providing high-quality testing at easily accessible locations for all.
Our process in New Richland, MN, for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we ensure privacy and ease of use, addressing any potential privacy concerns clients may have with simplicity at the forefront.
We offer competitive pricing and prompt results for hair follicle testing in New Richland, MN. Our ability to provide excellent value and quick turnaround times ensures that both large and small companies can benefit from our cost-effective and efficient services.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests make them highly appealing. In New Richland, MN, these tests surpass others in terms of accuracy for tracing substance use. They provide results that are both quick and trustworthy, greatly benefiting employers in drug detection efforts.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in New Richland, MN, ensures businesses comply with strict drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing that these tests support their need for reliable and enforceable substance use regulations.
