Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair's ability to capture biomarkers within its fibers offers a long-term record of substance use as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it provides up to a 3-month detection window for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hairs, akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil, cut close to the scalp, yields about 100mg, which is optimal for screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10 drugs, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. By head hair, we mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four critical stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample in a lab’s system, involving verification that the package was securely sealed and correctly shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though an economical method to assess most samples for absence of drugs, any positive screen result must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Those samples with initial positive results in Screening require a secondary validation.
In the event of a presumptive positive from Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower levels than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug analysis.
Further validation of any positive screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as requisite. The complete lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", this methodology actually analyzes the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the skin.
In St. Marys Point, MN, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer improved detection accuracy and reliability.
This method captures a broader scope of drug use, while urine tests fall short in identifying patterns over a longer term. For employers, hair tests provide assurance and reduce the chance of false negatives.
Hair testing detects drug use over a period of up to 90 days, providing a long-term view of an individual's history in St. Marys Point, MN. Employers find this extended detection window invaluable.
Unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent use, hair tests unveil substance patterns that are crucial for understanding the big picture. This makes them indispensable for employers seeking comprehensive substance insights.
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of tampering, offering reliable results in St. Marys Point, MN.
This testing method resists common adulteration tactics that can plague urine tests, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the sample throughout the process.
In St. Marys Point, MN, our widespread testing locations provide convenience and quick access to services, easing the drug testing process.
With centers nationwide, we accommodate the rigors of modern schedules, ensuring testing does not disrupt day-to-day operations. This accessibility benefits both employers and individuals.
The hair follicle testing process in St. Marys Point, MN is straightforward and private, addressing concerns about confidentiality and simplicity.
From ordering to results, the process is designed to be user-friendly, offering peace of mind and protecting personal privacy in drug testing routines.
We offer competitive pricing and quick result turnarounds in St. Marys Point, MN, making hair follicle testing both affordable and timely for businesses.
Our balanced cost structure ensures quality testing without compromising budget constraints, while our fast service enhances efficiency in operations.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, making them a preferred choice in St. Marys Point, MN. These tests provide accurate results, detecting drug use efficiently.
With the high accuracy associated with hair testing, detection of various substances is reliable. Fast processing ensures timely delivery of results, crucial for informed decision-making.
Employers in St. Marys Point, MN turn to hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free policies, ensuring a safer workplace environment and reducing potential legal risks.
Implementing hair testing promotes peace of mind, as it helps maintain workplace integrity by consistently enforcing a zero tolerance for drug use.
