Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair chronicles a prolonged history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fiber of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can illuminate up to roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair's acquisition is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for evaluation and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. In cases of absent scalp hair, a corresponding amount of body hair is permissible. Head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of fundamental steps in the lab's handling of a drug test result includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab system. This step involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any outstanding data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result demands confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary corroboration.
When a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any screening positive is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Ranier, MN, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering significant advantages. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a broader detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days.
The reliability factor is another standout benefit. It reduces instances of false negatives, commonly associated with urine testing, thus enhancing trust and confidence in the results.
Hair follicle tests in Ranier, MN are advantageous due to their extended detection window, identifying drug use over the past 90 days. For employers, this offers a holistic understanding of an individual's substance intake history.
This long-range detection ability is pivotal in providing insights into an applicant's or current employee's lifestyle choices, fostering informed decision-making.
Employers in Ranier, MN can rely on hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike other methods, it reduces risks of sample alteration, ensuring authenticity.
The secure nature of hair tests means results are trustworthy, giving employers peace of mind and assured integrity in the screening process.
In Ranier, MN, the convenience of widespread testing locations is unmatched. Our national and local test centers ensure a seamless approach to obtaining required screenings.
Employers and individuals benefit from our strategically placed facilities, guaranteeing hassle-free access to essential testing services.
Ranier, MN offers a straightforward and private testing process. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are user-friendly, maintaining confidentiality throughout.
This easy approach eases concerns about privacy, ensuring individuals feel secure and informed, adhering to the highest information security standards.
In Ranier, MN, competitive pricing paired with fast turnaround times make our services an excellent choice for organizations of all sizes.
Commitment to affordability ensures that testing services provide tremendous value, while expedited results foster quick, strategic decision-making.
In Ranier, MN, quick and precise outcomes are vital, and hair follicle drug testing delivers exceptionally reliable results. Renowned for its accuracy, it adeptly confirms substance usage, providing confidence in the findings.
This method's proficiency shines in detecting minute traces, leading to trustworthy and swift results. Such efficiency is instrumental for employers seeking timely and accurate assessments in their hiring or evaluation processes.
For Ranier, MN employers, hair follicle testing enhances peace of mind by aligning with drug-free workplace standards. This adherence reduces potential legal challenges.
It ensures strict compliance with policies, promoting safety and lowering risk, all while fostering a secure and drug-free environment.