Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair for testing has emerged as a crucial resource in identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair preserves a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug exposure by storing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When gathered from near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening implies a preliminary rapid test for substance abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening demand further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Ortonville, MN, due to its advanced detection capabilities. While traditional urine tests identify recent substance use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive analysis, uncovering drug use over a longer period. This offers employers a clearer picture of a candidate's history, demonstrating hair testing's superior accuracy and dependability.
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Ortonville, MN, is its extended detection window. Unlike other testing methods, hair sampling captures substance use up to 90 days. This expanded timeframe equips employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, offering insights that traditional methods cannot match.
Ortonville, MN, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. This method drastically reduces the chances of sample adulteration, securing the integrity of test results. With this level of reliability, organizations can confidently trust the accuracy and legitimacy of the outcomes, bypassing common concerns associated with alternative testing.
Convenience is assured with our nationwide and local testing locations, including Ortonville, MN. With numerous centers available, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is more straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring quick and easy access for all your testing needs. Rely on the robust network to provide seamless service at every location.
In Ortonville, MN, enjoy the simplicity and confidentiality of our hair follicle testing process. From ordering to receiving results, our system is designed for ease of use, safeguarding privacy at every step. This ensures a user-friendly experience, providing confidence and discretion throughout the testing journey.
Ortonville, MN, benefits from competitive pricing and speedy service when selecting hair follicle testing. Our affordable structure ensures that companies of all sizes receive excellent value. Combined with quick turnaround times, these factors provide peace of mind, knowing that high-quality testing is both cost-effective and efficient.
In Ortonville, MN, the accuracy of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. These tests are known for their precision, offering reliable detection of substance use. Faster results enhance decision-making processes, ensuring employers receive quick and dependable information. For those in need of a trustable testing method, hair follicle testing stands as a premier choice with its swift and accurate outcomes.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Ortonville, MN, aids employers in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This method aligns with compliance requirements, mitigating legal risks while ensuring safety. By implementing hair testing, organizations fortify their commitment to a secure environment, offering peace of mind with each test conducted.