Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by encasing biomarkers within the structure of the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month period for alcohol and drug detection. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, the optimum sample for inspection and validation. For EtG, supplements, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. We suggest assessing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be obtained. In discussions of head hair, we are exclusively referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This includes confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening involves an initial rapid inspection for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug consumption on the majority of samples, a positive screen must be authenticated to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening do necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are derived from hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug examination the most complex methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Staples, MN, the preference for hair follicle over urine testing is evident. Enhanced detection capabilities make hair tests a standout choice. While urine tests provide immediate results, hair tests outshine in reliability by offering a comprehensive screening that cannot be easily bypassed.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Staples, MN, is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this approach provides employers with a holistic insight into an individual's substance history, aiding informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Staples, MN, is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly reduces risks associated with sample tampering, offering reliable and trusted results that ensure authenticity and prevent manipulation.
With convenient national and local testing locations in Staples, MN, our services are designed for ease. Access to drug testing is made quick and hassle-free, ensuring that testing is straightforward and efficient, catering to diverse needs across the nation.
The process of arranging hair follicle drug tests in Staples, MN, is streamlined and confidential. From booking to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns about the testing procedure's complexity and security.
In Staples, MN, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing alongside fast results. This advantageous pricing structure guarantees value for businesses of all sizes, providing peace of mind and trust in the testing service efficiency.
Hair follicle drug tests in Staples, MN, offer swift and accurate outcomes. The efficiency of hair testing lies in its ability to quickly and precisely identify substance use, ensuring reliable results. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing provides superior accuracy and contributes to an effective drug screening process.
Employers in Staples, MN, benefit from using hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and bolsters workplace safety by providing consistent and undisputable test outcomes.