Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence due to biomarkers being embedded in the developing strand fibers. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal a substance usage history of approximately three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons or for tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn't accessible, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair signifies any other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is incorporated into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug usage on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples testing as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is categorized as presumptively positive at the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to administer.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests," the evaluation examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Proctor, MN: When juxtaposed with urine tests, hair follicle testing illustrates enhanced detection accuracy and dependability. Hair testing is proven superior in capturing a wider substance usage window, ensuring clarity and reliability unmatched by urine tests, making it the preferred choice in various professional settings.
Extended Detection Window in Proctor, MN: Hair follicle tests boast the capability to reveal drug use history for up to 90 days. This extensive detection period offers employers and administrative bodies a thorough perspective on an individual's past substance use, which is crucial for informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Proctor, MN: Hair follicle tests significantly lower the chances of sample tampering. This testing method makes adulteration exceedingly challenging, rendering test results reliable and unquestionable, thereby elevating its appeal for use in critical evaluative settings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Proctor, MN: Accredited Drug Testing offers widespread access with centers across the nation, including Proctor, MN. These strategically located centers facilitate a swift, straightforward, and convenient testing experience, enhancing accessibility for various clients and ensuring service satisfaction.
Simple, Confidential Process in Proctor, MN: Our testing process is seamless and private, from order initiation to result delivery. Confidentiality is a cornerstone, guaranteeing client privacy while prioritizing ease of access and usability, alleviating privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Proctor, MN: Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery offer excellent value, catering to companies of different sizes. This ensures they receive cost-effective solutions swiftly, providing peace of mind and maximized value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Proctor, MN: Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed. This method ensures a high level of accuracy, allowing for effective detection of substance use. Compared to traditional methods, hair tests rapidly provide results, offering a reliable measure for substance monitoring.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Proctor, MN: By employing hair follicle testing, employers can effortlessly comply with drug-free workplace directives. This reduces legal exposures and promotes a safe work environment, ensuring both regulatory alignment and peace of mind for employers and employees.
