Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a historical record of substance intake by capturing biomarkers in the strands of advancing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence for around three months. Collection is simple, tampering is relatively hard, and transportation is straightforward.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In case scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential phases in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is incorporated into a laboratory’s system. This encompasses ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing data entry omitted by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While it offers a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, confirmatory tests are necessary for legal proceedings. Samples that show preliminary positivity in Screening demand further confirmation.
Should a sample display preliminary positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most intricate technique to execute.
For any positive screening result, Confirmation is undertaken via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples receive washing prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oak Park Heights, MN Hair follicle testing offers a superior alternative to traditional urine tests, boasting more accurate detection and reliability. The extended detection window and resistance to tampering make it a better choice for employers and courts, ensuring comprehensive assessments of drug use over time.
Extended Detection Window in Oak Park Heights, MN Hair follicle tests allow for an extended detection period of up to 90 days. This offers employers a detailed view of drug use patterns over time, assisting in evaluating the long-term behavioral history of employees or job applicants, thus making informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oak Park Heights, MN The hair follicle testing method minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, offering dependable and decisive results. Its rigorous collection procedure ensures authenticity and reliability, providing unmatched confidence in the findings delivered.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oak Park Heights, MN With our extensive network of testing centers, both nationally and locally, accessing our services is straightforward and hassle-free. We ensure prompt and convenient testing for your needs, right in the heart of your community.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oak Park Heights, MN Our streamlined and discreet process for testing ensures ease of use and privacy. From scheduling your test to receiving results, we maintain confidentiality throughout, addressing any concerns for those requiring drug testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oak Park Heights, MN Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery provide outstanding value for businesses of all sizes. We ensure a cost-effective approach while maintaining quality service and swift processing times for maximum efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oak Park Heights, MN Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their quick and precise detection of substance use. The process ensures high accuracy levels, providing clarity and certainty in results. Efficiency in testing and turnaround time makes hair follicle tests the preferred choice for employers and evaluation specialists alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oak Park Heights, MN Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free mandates, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. It provides employers peace of mind by supporting adherence to regulations and maintaining a secure working environment.
