Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by enclosing biomarkers within the fibers of the advancing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, an amount of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Here, head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial management of a sample within a laboratory's system. This comprises ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen demand confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that appear positive in Screening require a secondary verification.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often mistaken for "hair follicle tests," this test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Seaforth, MN, hair follicle testing is deemed superior to urine analysis due to several key advantages. A major benefit is its longer detection window, enabling a more complete picture of an individual's substance use. Furthermore, hair testing's resistance to tampering and higher detection accuracy make it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities seeking reliable results.
Hair follicle testing in Seaforth, MN offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, far surpassing other methods like urine testing. This longer timeframe provides employers a more inclusive view of an employee’s or applicant’s substance use history, assisting in better decision-making for hiring and maintaining a drug-free workplace.
In Seaforth, MN, hair follicle tests are praised for their tamper-resistant nature, reducing risks of adulteration. This integrity ensures that the results are reliable and accurate, instilling confidence for employers, judicial systems, and other agencies that depend on the authenticity and precision of the results for important decision-making processes.
Offering convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Seaforth, MN, our centers ensure accessible, quick, and hassle-free drug testing services. This widespread availability means individuals and businesses can easily find nearby facilities, simplifying the drug screening process and minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
In Seaforth, MN, our drug testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering a test to obtaining results, the process is designed to respect privacy and ensure ease of use. This simplicity encourages more individuals and companies to engage with our services without worries about the complexity or intrusion into personal privacy.
Our facilities in Seaforth, MN, offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, ensuring you receive maximum value. The cost-effective service paired with prompt results makes us a preferred choice for organizations of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing without stretching their budgets or facing prolonged waiting periods.
In Seaforth, MN, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing ensure reliable results. These tests boast high accuracy in detecting even minimal substance use, making them essential for quick and thorough analysis. Such prompt and precise detection gives peace of mind to those relying on the data for crucial decisions related to employment and safety.
For employers in Seaforth, MN, adopting hair follicle testing is a strategic move for ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal liabilities and enhances employee safety by providing more reliable and non-disputable results, promoting peace of mind and a safer, more productive work environment.
