Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands capture a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within their fibers. When clipped near the scalp, hair samples can reveal substance use for up to approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands (around the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp weighs about 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests with more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is first processed into the lab’s system. This stage involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method for disproving drug usage in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial batch and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are separated from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to comparing drug testing methods in Norwood Young America, MN, hair follicle testing holds clear advantages. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy, identifying substance use over a prolonged period. This makes it a reliable choice for employers and others serious about maintaining a drug-free environment.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing sets it apart in Norwood Young America, MN. This method can trace drug use patterns up to 90 days back, offering employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance history. Such comprehensive insights are invaluable for making informed employment decisions.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing in Norwood Young America, MN, is its tamper-resistant nature. It significantly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring the results are both reliable and trustworthy. This integrity in testing helps provide clear and unquestionable outcomes, reinforcing confidence in the process.
We maintain convenient testing centers nationwide and locally in Norwood Young America, MN, ensuring that obtaining a test is quick and hassle-free. With numerous locations available, individuals and businesses can access our services with ease, facilitating swift and efficient drug testing processes.
The process for hair follicle testing in Norwood Young America, MN, is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, each step is designed with privacy and ease of use in mind. This ensures that concerns around confidentiality and convenience are adequately addressed.
Our testing services in Norwood Young America, MN, are marked by affordable pricing and quick turnaround. This competitive edge ensures that companies of varying sizes receive excellent value and timely results. Affordable pricing structures provide peace of mind while maintaining quality and speed in service delivery.
In Norwood Young America, MN, hair follicle tests are known for delivering fast, precise, and reliable results. Not only can they identify a wide range of substances with high accuracy, but they also do so within a quick turnaround time, providing assurance and timely information for decision-making processes. Employers can trust the results of these tests due to their inherent reliability.
Using hair follicle testing helps employers in Norwood Young America, MN, comply with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal risks and ensuring a secure environment. This peace of mind promotes enhanced workplace safety, benefitting both the organization and its staff, while maintaining high compliance standards.
