Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely acknowledged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronological archive of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair testing can reveal alcohol and drug use up to about a 90-day timeline. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock consisting of approximately 200 hairs (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, which is perfect for initial and verification testing. For EtG, optional extras, and/or assessments over 10 panels, it's suggested to use 150mg. Measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale is advisable. If scalp hair is absent, a proportional amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in a laboratory setting involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This involves checking the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it's a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive screening requires confirmation to be considered valid in court. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a confirming test.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening step, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at much lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair screening one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive requires GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All such samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited in accordance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the scalp's follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: Hair follicle testing provides significant advantages over traditional urine tests, especially in Saint Anthony, MN. Its ability to offer a more extended detection period and better reliability sets it apart. Employers and legal entities favor it due to its enhanced accuracy and the difficulty in tampering with results when compared to urine tests.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing is increasingly popular in Saint Anthony, MN, thanks to its ability to detect drug use over as long as 90 days. This extended window offers employers a detailed insight into the drug history of individuals, making it an invaluable tool for comprehensive substance monitoring.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Saint Anthony, MN, the integrity of hair follicle tests is one of their greatest strengths. They are designed to minimize the risk of sample adulteration, providing accurate and indisputable results. This feature gives employers and legal professionals confidence in the reliability of the findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Accessing hair follicle testing services is simple in Saint Anthony, MN, with several nationwide testing centers. This availability guarantees fast and hassle-free service, ensuring individuals and employers can conduct tests with minimal disruption.
Simple, Confidential Process: In Saint Anthony, MN, ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This process respects privacy while offering ease of use, addressing any concerns individuals might have about the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: For businesses in Saint Anthony, MN, hair follicle testing provides excellent value with competitive pricing and quick result delivery. This combination of affordability and efficiency caters to companies of varying sizes, offering them peace of mind without excessive costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Saint Anthony, MN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy, ensuring that substance use is effectively detected. The sophisticated technology behind them guarantees results that both employers and individuals can rely on.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Hair follicle testing in Saint Anthony, MN, ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This practice mitigates legal risks and enhances safety, offering peace of mind to employers who prioritize a safe and compliant working environment.
