Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When samples are taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the likelihood of tampering is low, and transportation is convenient.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly comparable to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen's weight. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result includes four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's process. This step involves verifying that the sample maintains its seal and is properly shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry that the electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While this step is a cost-effective strategy for identifying drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome needs verification to be legally binding. Any samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If the Screening phase results in a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drug compounds are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening procedures.
Confirmation of any positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are cleansed as necessary prior to confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory process undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis centers on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests in South Haven, MN, offer superior detection reliability. Hair testing uncovers substance use with greater accuracy, ensuring zero-tolerance policies are effectively upheld.
Hair follicle testing is notable for its extended detection window in South Haven, MN, covering up to 90 days. It provides employers with a thorough analysis of an individual's substance use history, informing better hiring decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in South Haven, MN, is invaluable. This method drastically lowers the chances of sample tampering, ensuring reliably trustworthy results for all parties involved.
With nationwide testing locations, including South Haven, MN, accessing our hair follicle drug testing services is convenient. Our expansive network ensures easy and hassle-free test participation.
In South Haven, MN, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. It ensures ease of use from ordering right through to results reception, maintaining privacy throughout.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround in South Haven, MN, make hair follicle testing both affordable and efficient. Companies of all sizes benefit from the value our services provide.
In South Haven, MN, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed, accuracy, and reliability. Their precise results quickly identify substance use, providing peace of mind to employers and ensuring fair evaluations for all candidates.
In South Haven, MN, compliance and peace of mind are priorities for employers. Adopting hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safe environment.
