Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 90-day period for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In instances where scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair could be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair only, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four pivotal phases in handling a drug test result at the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes its initial entry into a laboratory’s system. This entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry tasks not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use on the majority of specimens, a positive outcome in screening must be substantiated to hold up in court. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this procedure, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive findings is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair vs. Urine Testing
In Spring Hill, MN, hair follicle testing constantly proves its merit over conventional urine tests. It provides a longer detection period and enhanced reliability, making it the preferred choice among employers. Its ability to uncover drug use history over time surpasses the immediate but limited scope of urine tests, showcasing why it's superior.
Extended Detection Window
In Spring Hill, MN, hair follicle testing offers a vast detection window, often reaching up to 90 days. This comprehensive timeline gives employers thorough insight into an employee's past substance use, making it a valuable tool for pre-employment screening. Its broad detection range is unmatched by shorter-duration tests.
Tamper-Resistant
In Spring Hill, MN, hair follicle tests stand out for their resistance to tampering. The nature of the test minimizes sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and conclusive results. This integrity in testing provides employers with unquestionable peace of mind, strengthening the credibility of their drug screening processes.
Convenient Testing Centers
Spring Hill, MN residents benefit from our extensive network of nationwide testing sites, providing straightforward access to drug testing services. Our numerous locations facilitate convenient, swift, and stress-free testing processes, accommodating needs promptly and efficiently across various regions.
Simple and Confidential
In Spring Hill, MN, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and ensures privacy. From ordering to result retrieval, clients experience a seamless journey, addressing any concerns about confidentiality. Its user-friendly approach streamlines the entire procedure, maintaining individual discretion throughout.
Affordable and Timely
In Spring Hill, MN, our drug testing services stand out for their cost-effectiveness and quick turnaround. Competitive pricing structures coupled with fast result delivery offer businesses of all sizes incredible value. This balance of quality and speed promises peace of mind without compromising budget constraints.
Fast, Accurate, Reliable
In Spring Hill, MN, the precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. These tests excel in providing precise and swift results, pinpointing substance use with remarkable accuracy. Their superiority in detecting drug traces outshines traditional methods, offering a dependable solution for critical assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind
For Spring Hill, MN employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This method significantly curtails legal risks while boosting workplace security. With stringent policies in place, businesses can operate seamlessly, knowing they are fostering a safe and compliant environment.
