Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated three-month period of alcohol and drug detection. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and uncomplicated to transport.
A hair specimen measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will produce 100mg of hair, an optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for accurate specimen weighing. In the event scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair regions (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four essential steps involved in the laboratory handling of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming the sample was securely sealed and dispatched accurately, allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an expedient preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Despite Screening being a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen requires substantiation to be legally acceptable. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample display a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lesser concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing as the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo requisite washing prior to confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure spanning Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Pine River, MN, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, offering several advantages. Hair testing provides increased detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. Key Benefits:
Employers and agencies find hair tests superior due to their precision. Unlike urine tests which only reflect recent use, hair tests provide insights into long-term patterns, assisting in making informed decisions regarding employee conduct and policy compliance.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Pine River, MN, offers significant advantages over traditional methods. Key Benefits:
Unlike urine tests that capture only short-term use, hair testing offers a historical perspective, enhancing decision-making processes for hiring and retention by providing a fuller picture of potential employee activities.
In Pine River, MN, hair follicle drug testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and accurate results. Highlights:
The unique structure of hair tests makes it virtually impossible to alter the sample, providing companies with the assurance of untampered results that reflect true substance use.
With conveniently located testing centers throughout Pine River, MN, and a nationwide network, Accredited Drug Testing offers hassle-free testing services. Convenience factors include:
Clients can expect fast, friendly service with minimal wait times, making it simple to fulfill testing requirements with minimal disruption to daily routines.
Accredited Drug Testing in Pine River, MN, makes the process simple and confidential. Features:
By emphasizing a straightforward approach, individuals and organizations appreciate the simplicity and privacy of the testing, making it a valuable service for all parties involved.
Pine River, MN-based Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Key Benefits:
By offering affordable pricing structures, companies of all sizes can benefit from reliable testing, supporting drug-free policies while managing costs effectively, providing value without sacrificing results.
In Pine River, MN, the accuracy and efficiency of hair follicle testing make it a preferred choice for reliable drug screening. Advantages include:
The precision of hair follicle tests eliminates the guesswork common in traditional testing, providing clear and concise results that reflect substance use accurately. This helps build trust among employers, employees, and stakeholders.
For employers in Pine River, MN, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, bringing peace of mind. Benefits:
In maintaining a drug-free environment, hair testing provides employers an essential tool in reinforcing a safe, efficient workplace, ensuring that business and legal standards are consistently met and upheld.
