Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair provides an extended-term record of substance use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, provides 100mg of hair—an optimal sample size for both screening and certainty. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a proportional amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes other types such as facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of drug test samples includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any additional information not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary swift test for drugs. Though cost-effective for checking most samples, a screening showing positive must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Presumptively positive samples from Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening, additional hair is gathered from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from the hair at lesser concentrations compared to other methods like urine or saliva, which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive results from screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating positive during screening are washed before conducting confirmations as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and based on ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often described as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
In Saint James, MN, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by providing heightened accuracy and reliability. Hair testing is less susceptible to tampering compared to urine tests, delivering authentic results.
With hair testing, the extended detection window allows better insights into long-term substance use, making it a preferred choice for employers and authorities seeking thorough evaluations.
Hair follicle assessments in Saint James, MN offer a superior detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days in the past.
This extended period allows employers to comprehensively review an individual's substance history, essential for verifying applicant or employee behavior. Long-term insights provided by hair testing present a clearer understanding and reassurance in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle evaluations significantly mitigate tampering risks, offering Saint James, MN trustworthy results.
The nature of hair testing diminishes the likelihood of sample contamination or alteration, ensuring authentic outcomes. Unquestionable and consistent, these tests provide solid evidence, curbing concerns about manipulation commonly associated with other testing methods.
Convenience meets reliability with our widespread testing sites, including those in Saint James, MN. Our nationwide presence simplifies accessing drug testing services, ensuring the process is both effortless and efficient.
Whether local or nationwide, our centers ensure seamless, comprehensive service delivery.
In Saint James, MN, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, conducting tests, and receiving results is straightforward, prioritizing privacy and ease.
Addressing privacy concerns effectively, our process reassures individuals that their personal information is handled with utmost confidentiality, ensuring user confidence in our services.
Our hair follicle assessments in Saint James, MN are not only reliable but also embrace affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times.
Offering exceptional value, we accommodate businesses of all sizes, ensuring drug testing solutions remain accessible and economically feasible, reinforcing decision-making efficiency and operational peace of mind.
Saint James, MN boasts fast, precise, and consistent outcomes with hair follicle drug evaluations. Hair testing guarantees high accuracy in identifying substance use, delivering credible results promptly.
Esteemed for their reliability, hair assessments provide a swift and accurate picture of an individual's drug history, facilitating informed decisions swiftly and effectively.
Implementing hair follicle tests in Saint James, MN enables compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Employers enjoy reduced legal challenges and enhanced workplace safety, pivotal for maintaining organizational standards.
This testing approach reaffirms commitment to a secure and productive environment, imparting peace of mind to businesses.
