Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. The long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption is encapsulated in the hair shaft fibers. A sample taken near the scalp offers a detection period of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the recommended sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample weight. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial sample processing within a lab’s system. It verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial check for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use in most samples, but any positive screen must be confirmed for it to be valid in court. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening must be confirmed further.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives are cleaned as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing boasts unmatched advantages over standard urine tests in Otisco, MN. It provides a longer detection window, typically spanning 90 days, making it a superior choice.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing significantly enhances detection accuracy and reliability, ensuring the integrity of results among employers and legal bodies.
The efficacy of hair testing is evident in its capacity to reveal historical substance use, offering insights that urine tests cannot. It's a reliable prevention measure that withstands scrutiny.
A unique advantage of hair follicle testing in Otisco, MN is its extended detection window. Typically stretching up to 90 days, it provides a thorough review of an individual's drug use history.
This longer period grants employers a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use, ensuring informed decisions.
Long-term behaviors in substance consumption become detectable, lending credibility and effectiveness to the hiring and monitoring process.
Hair follicle testing in Otisco, MN offers a robust defense against sample tampering. The process ensures that the collected sample remains untouched and authentic.
Its resilience to adulteration fosters confidence among stakeholders seeking reliable results without concerns of manipulation.
Unlike some other tests, the hair sampling method is resistant to interference, confirming its value in rigorous environments demanding dependable results.
Integrity in testing is maintained effectively with this technique.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessible testing services through our expansive network in Otisco, MN. Our centers nationwide offer convenient, hassle-free testing experiences.
Local testing sites add a layer of ease for those requiring quick and nearby access, promoting a seamless process for all stakeholders.
In Otisco, MN, we prioritize a straightforward and confidential hair testing process. From ordering to results delivery, privacy and simplicity are at the forefront.
The process is user-friendly, addressing concerns about ease of use and data protection, ensuring all interactions remain discreet and efficient.
Offering competitive rates, our hair testing services in Otisco, MN provide outstanding value for companies of all sizes.
With a focus on affordability, clients can expect rapid turnaround times without compromising on quality or accuracy.
These cost-effective solutions fund a reliable means of monitoring and maintaining drug use policies.
The hair follicle drug test stands out for delivering prompt, dependable outcomes in Otisco, MN. Its unparalleled precision in determining substance use surpasses traditional methods.
With speed and accuracy at its core, the hair test minimizes waiting times, allowing timely decisions for entities reliant on trustworthy data.
This testing method consistently excels in detecting a wide range of substances, enabling effective interventions when necessary.
Utilizing hair follicle tests can greatly aid businesses in Otisco, MN by aligning with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal disputes while increasing workplace safety.
The method ensures adherence to company protocols, giving employers peace of mind and reducing the risk of policy breaches. Enhanced compliance translates into a safer work environment.
