Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake by preserving biomarkers within its strands as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece containing around 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides a 100mg sample, optimal for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, collecting 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean only hair from the scalp. Body hair signifies all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for a drug test analysis include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the primary introduction of a sample into a lab’s system, which consists of confirming correct sealing and delivery, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry if not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. It serves as a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most cases, though any positive result requires confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening must undergo further validation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result during Screening, further hair is sourced from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral swabs), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any Screening-positive sample occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples need washing before confirmation as applicable. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab process is overseen under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Northrop, MN, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. They provide a longer detection window, making it easier to identify long-term substance use. This effectively supports employers and legal bodies in upholding zero-tolerance policies, ensuring a safer, drug-free environment with more comprehensive screening capabilities.
With the ability to detect drug use over up to a 90-day period, hair follicle testing in Northrop, MN, stands out for providing a detailed view of a person's substance use history. Employers benefit from this extended detection window as it offers a comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee's past drug use, contributing to informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Northrop, MN, is an effective solution for minimizing the risk of sample tampering. Its collection process, involving an observed and tamper-resistant method, ensures that the results are trustworthy and irrefutable. This testing method enhances the integrity of the entire drug testing process, providing peace of mind to employers and authorities.
Accessing testing facilities is convenient in Northrop, MN, thanks to the availability of nationwide centers. These locations ensure that getting tested is a quick, hassle-free process. This widespread network of facilities supports efficient and accessible testing, accommodating various needs across different regions.
The process for hair follicle testing in Northrop, MN, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering a test, providing a sample, and receiving results are all streamlined for ease of use while maintaining privacy. This process ensures a smooth experience for all involved and addresses concerns about security and confidentiality.
In Northrop, MN, hair follicle testing is offered at competitive prices and promises fast turnaround times. The cost-effectiveness coupled with reliable and quick results provides excellent value to companies, ensuring they receive dependable testing services without compromising on quality or budget.
In Northrop, MN, hair follicle testing is renowned for its precision and speed in detecting substance use. The tests provide a highly accurate assessment that reinforces trust in the testing process, allowing for rapid results without sacrificing reliability. This makes them particularly useful for employers who need fast and reliable testing solutions to ensure a drug-free workplace environment.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Northrop, MN, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests minimize legal risks and bolster workplace safety by providing reliable evidence of an employee's or applicant's substance use, thereby promoting a healthier and more secure work environment.
