Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust mechanism for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair can capture a long-term record of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Hair collected near the scalp can offer up to around a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to mail.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests involving more than 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is made. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair is missing, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When head hair is mentioned, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair covers all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Four core steps are part of the laboratory workflow for a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial handling of a sample within the lab’s framework. It involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, providing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data input not met by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in court. Any samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screened results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test positive initially are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test often labeled "hair follicle tests" actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rice Lake, MN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out in several ways. It offers enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for many. Employers seeking dependable drug use results can rely on the superior capabilities of hair testing to uncover information that urine tests might miss.
Extended Detection Window in Rice Lake, MN
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect substance use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This gives employers in Rice Lake, MN, a thorough view of an employee or applicant's drug history, ensuring more informed decision-making regarding employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rice Lake, MN
Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the chance of adulteration. This method provides reliable and tamper-resistant results, making it an ideal choice for ensuring the authenticity of the sample. In Rice Lake, MN, this test is unmatched in delivering uncontested results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rice Lake, MN
With numerous testing centers available nationwide, including in Rice Lake, MN, access to drug testing services is easier than ever. This ensures that individuals and employers enjoy convenient and hassle-free testing solutions without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rice Lake, MN
The process of ordering a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and protects privacy. In Rice Lake, MN, clients can easily manage the confidential ordering, testing, and results retrieval process, reducing privacy concerns and facilitating user-friendly service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rice Lake, MN
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times offer excellent value for businesses in Rice Lake, MN. We provide reassurance through our cost-effective and timely drug testing services, suitable for any organization's needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rice Lake, MN
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and speed in delivering drug screening outcomes. In Rice Lake, MN, individuals and organizations benefit from the unbeatable accuracy of hair testing, providing peace of mind through its reliability in identifying substance use. This method ensures that results are not only quick but also highly reliable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rice Lake, MN
Hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining a drug-free workplace, aligning with compliance standards and reducing potential legal issues. In Rice Lake, MN, companies benefit from enhanced safety and peace of mind that comes with employing effective testing measures.
