Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reflect up to a 3-month history of alcohol and drug exposure. It is straightforward to obtain, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluation and validation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is encouraged. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a proportional amount of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial entry of a sample into a lab's framework. This process involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though screening is cost-friendly and effectively excludes drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positivity in screening need an additional confirmation.
For any sample showing presumptive positivity during Screening, extra hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably complex.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saum, MN.
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over the traditional urine tests. Its increased detection window and higher accuracy make it an invaluable tool for employers committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair testing reveals a broader pattern of substance use, enhancing workplace safety and reliability of results.
Hair follicle testing in Saum, MN, boasts an extended detection period of up to 90 days. This advantage offers employers an in-depth view of an employee’s or candidate’s drug history.
This extended window is particularly beneficial for uncovering habitual drug use, aiding in the assessment and recruitment processes, thus ensuring a safer work environment.
In Saum, MN, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method. This technique significantly diminishes the chances of sample adulteration.
By collecting samples under strict observation, hair tests guarantee reliable and unquestionable results, giving peace of mind to both employers and employees.
In Saum, MN, the convenience of numerous nationwide testing centers is evident. With local facilities, accessing services is quick and hassle-free.
Clients can choose locations that best suit their needs, ensuring seamless integration of testing into their schedules without disruption.
The process of hair follicle testing in Saum, MN, is both simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are straightforward, maintaining privacy concerns effectively.
This ease of use makes it a preferred choice for individuals and companies alike, ensuring confidence and security in the procedure.
In Saum, MN, affordable pricing and quick turnaround distinguish our hair follicle testing services. Competitive rates ensure that businesses of all sizes enjoy exceptional value.
Efficiency in delivering results further adds to the value, reinforcing peace of mind and confidence among stakeholders.
In Saum, MN, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision in detecting substance use ensures a comprehensive overview of an individual's history. This method boasts high accuracy, contributing to its preferred status among various testing techniques.
The speed at which results are delivered further enhances the appeal of hair follicle testing. Employers can promptly receive insights into a candidate’s prior substance use, facilitating timely and informed hiring decisions.
Employers in Saum, MN, benefit from hair follicle testing as it aids in compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also promotes enhanced safety.
The peace of mind afforded by reliable testing ensures a productive work environment and adherence to industry standards, fostering a culture of trust and responsibility.
