Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers approximately a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch segment of nearly 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When addressing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the early processing of a sample into the lab's database. This involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that presumptively test positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stephen, MN lies in its enhanced detection accuracy and superior reliability. Hair tests offer much longer windows for drug detection compared to urine tests, making them preferred by employers, legal entities, and substance abuse experts. This increased timeframe helps enforce drug-free policies and ensures a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Stephen, MN is a defining feature of hair follicle testing. Unlike other methods, hair testing can reveal drug use history up to 90 days prior, offering employers a detailed panorama of an applicant or employee's past substance activities. This prolonged detection period aids employers in making more informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stephen, MN highlights the integrity of hair follicle tests. These tests significantly reduce the risk of adulteration or fraudulent results, as the collection process is done under direct observation. This reliability ensures results are trustworthy and are less likely to be challenged or manipulated, maintaining high standards of integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Stephen, MN provide ease of access to hair follicle drug testing services. With facilities spread nationwide, along with local centers in Stephen, individuals and companies enjoy quick and hassle-free service. This ensures that drug testing needs are met promptly without the inconvenience of traveling long distances.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stephen, MN ensures privacy and ease in hair follicle testing. The procedure for ordering, undergoing, and receiving results remains straightforward and secure. Maintaining confidentiality is paramount, addressing any privacy concerns clients might have, while ensuring that the overall process is uncomplicated and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stephen, MN emphasize our commitment to value and efficiency. Our competitive prices and quick results offer excellent benefits to businesses of all sizes, helping them stay within budget while obtaining high-quality testing services. This blend of cost-effectiveness and precision assures peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stephen, MN are key advantages of hair follicle drug tests. With exceptional precision in detecting substance use, these tests ensure timely and trustworthy results, surpassing traditional methods. By opting for hair testing, individuals and organizations in Stephen can rely on the unmatched accuracy and speed that come with advanced technological methodologies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stephen, MN is achieved through hair follicle testing. By adhering to drug-free workplace laws, employers reduce legal liabilities and promote safety. Hair tests, with their longer detection periods and resistance to tampering, offer assurance that company policies are being respected and upheld, contributing to a safer work environment.
