Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective means for detecting the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair provides an extended perspective by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing strands. If trimmed near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.
A sample of about 200 hair strands, measuring 1.5 inches and about the diameter of a #2 pencil, nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory testing for a drug result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is introduced into a lab's system. This encompasses verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid inspection for drug misuse. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation before court acceptance. Any samples that show a presumption of positivity in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Once a sample tests positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in alternative methods such as urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug testing is among the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is obtained through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Challenges:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint George, MN
In comparing hair testing to traditional urine tests, hair follicle exams demonstrate superior detection capabilities and reliability. Employers and legal entities benefit from its increased accuracy and the extended timeframe it covers.
Extended Detection Window in Saint George, MN
Employers in Saint George benefit from hair follicle testing, which captures a longer view—up to 90 days—of an individual's substance use history. This extended window offers comprehensive insight into applicant or employee drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint George, MN
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risks associated with sample tampering, providing reliable and indisputable results. Such a resilient method supports organizations' need for integrity in testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Saint George, MN
With Accredited Drug Testing, access quick and hassle-free testing services nationwide, including locally in Saint George, reducing the complexity of scheduling and conducting tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saint George, MN
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use for all test recipients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint George, MN
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and expedient result times, delivering excellent value and peace of mind for companies regardless of size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint George, MN
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise outcomes, ensuring high levels of accuracy in identifying substance use. Their precision and swiftness make them an advantageous choice for those seeking reliable testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint George, MN
Employers gain peace of mind and ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies by employing hair follicle testing, reducing legal risks and fostering a safer working environment.
