Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures long-term evidence of substances by trapping biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. Its collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and is convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If head hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in a laboratory's drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step that integrates a sample into the laboratory's system. This step verifies the sample's secure transportation, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any requisite data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial quick evaluation for substance use. As a cost-effective method, Screening can exclude drug use for the majority of samples. A positive result in Screening, however, requires further validation for any legal proceedings. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary Confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction, where drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids). This challenge makes hair drug screening the most difficult method to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcomes uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Stockton, MN, hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests. Benefits of hair testing include unrivaled detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests cover a broader scope, providing critical insights into extended drug use patterns. Employers gain confidence in enforcing drug-free policies, ensuring workplace safety and compliance in Stockton.
With an impressive extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Stockton, MN, emerges as a superior choice. Capable of detecting drug use for up to 90 days, this testing method offers a broad view of an individual’s substance history. Employers in Stockton can use this window to fully understand an applicant or employee’s behavior, facilitating informed hiring and monitoring decisions that align with company policies.
Hair follicle testing in Stockton, MN, showcases a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly reducing risks of adulteration. This approach ensures reliability and unbiased results, as samples are less susceptible to manipulation. The observed collection process further fortifies test integrity, providing stakeholders with confidence in the findings’ authenticity and contributing to trustworthy substance analysis outcomes.
Our nationwide testing centers make drug testing convenient, with locations across all major cities including Stockton, MN. This network ensures that individuals and companies have quick, easy access to our services without hassle. Whether it’s for pre-employment or court-mandated testing, our centers offer seamless processes, saving time and ensuring necessary tests are completed efficiently and effectively.
The simple, confidential process of hair follicle testing in Stockton, MN, clarifies steps from ordering to receiving results. Clients appreciate the privacy it provides, addressing sensitive concerns with ease. By focusing on confidentiality and simplicity, we ensure individuals remain at ease throughout their testing experience, knowing that their data is securely managed and accessible only to them.
In Stockton, MN, our competitive pricing ensures that affordable pricing and fast turnaround is available for businesses of any size. Our pricing structure offers excellent value without compromising on quality or speed. Additionally, the efficiency of our processes means that test results are swiftly returned, allowing companies to make timely, informed decisions that support organizational goals.
The hair follicle drug test in Stockton, MN, ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method is highly precise, making it a preferred choice for detecting substance use. Its advanced accuracy lies in the ability to analyze hair samples comprehensively, ensuring that individuals' or employees' substance histories are thoroughly verified. The prompt results underscore the test's efficiency, contributing to proactive decisions based on accurate data.
For employers in Stockton, MN, hair follicle testing translates to compliance and peace of mind. By incorporating this test into drug-free workplace policies, businesses minimize legal risks and promote enhanced safety. The reliable detection of substance use aids organizations in maintaining a compliant workforce, safeguarding company reputation and contributing to overall productivity and employee wellbeing.
