Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a valuable method for detecting substance use. By embedding biomarkers in the strands as they develop, hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp, provides the desired 100mg of hair for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four governing steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, integrating samples into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra information entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid check for substance misuse. Although it’s a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug consumption in most cases, any positive result from the Screening stage must be confirmed for legal acceptability in a court setting. Samples indicating positive results during Screening require further validation.
With a positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted and prepped for Extraction. This step extracts substances at much diminished concentrations than seen in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is notably challenging.
Confirmation of any Screening-positive findings is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples marked as potentially positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", this type of analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why is hair follicle testing preferable over urine tests in Nicollet, MN? Hair tests deliver better detection accuracy and reliability. These tests surpass traditional methods in uncovering substance use over extended periods.
Through enhanced sensitivity and a more extended detection window, hair follicle tests offer an undeniable advantage, illuminating usage history that urine testing might miss.
In Nicollet, MN, hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window. Employers gain a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use over three months, surpassing shorter detection periods of traditional tests.
This extensive look-back period allows companies to make informed decisions, viewing a pattern of use rather than a snapshot, thus improving screening processes and employee assessments.
Hair follicle tests in Nicollet, MN are known for their resistance to tampering. Unlike other tests susceptible to adulteration, hair testing retains its integrity, offering unquestionable results consistently.
This method prevents common tampering tactics associated with urine samples, ensuring all outcomes are credible and reflective of true substance use.
With convenient locations across Nicollet, MN, and nationwide, hair follicle testing is accessible, providing seamless and efficient service wherever it’s needed, without hassle.
Testing centers are strategically placed to ensure easy reach, supporting quick and stress-free testing services, building a network that cares for community and client needs alike.
Our hair follicle testing process in Nicollet, MN is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use.
We understand the importance of confidentiality in testing, assuring all processes uphold these values, giving individuals peace of mind and a hassle-free experience.
Competitive pricing and quick result turnaround in Nicollet, MN make hair follicle testing a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes. This combination of affordability and speed ensures great value.
Our commitment to economical solutions does not compromise on quality or reliability, offering companies a trusted service at a price point that maintains budgetary considerations.
In Nicollet, MN, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and accurate results, ensuring that individuals achieve reliable testing outcomes quickly. This high precision is essential in detecting any substances effectively.
The rapid processing times for hair testing make it ideal, as individuals need not wait long for conclusive results. Whether for personal or professional requirements, this testing method ensures timely and precise evidence.
Employers in Nicollet, MN, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance aids in minimizing legal challenges and elevating workplace safety.
By adopting hair testing, businesses mitigate risk, fostering an environment where safety is paramount, and employer responsibilities are responsibly managed.