Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The assessment of hair samples has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain biomarkers within their fibers, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, these samples can reveal use patterns over a timeframe reaching three months. The procedure for collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands and weighing about the same as a #2 pencil, yields a 100mg portion ideal for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional checks, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weight of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is unattainable, equivalent body hair may be used. Here, "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test reporting encompasses four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary steps of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. It checks the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, economical assessment for signs of illicit drug consumption. Though it offers a cost-effective means to eliminate the possibility of drug use in many cases, a positive indication requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive at this stage must undergo a secondary confirmation process.
Should a sample exhibit a positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than what is possible in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid testing), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screenings.
The Confirmation phase for any positive screening result employs techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo necessary washing before proceeding to confirmation. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the scrutiny of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The procedure commonly termed as "hair follicle test" actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Swanville, MN
Hair follicle testing provides a clear edge over urine tests, especially in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can identify recent substance use, hair follicle tests cover up to 90 days of use, offering a broader assessment period. This method reduces chances of tampering and yields consistent results, making it a superior choice for employers and professionals seeking precise drug use insights.
Extended Detection Window in Swanville, MN
The primary advantage of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection window, up to 90 days, allowing employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of substance use history. This long-term detection capability surpasses other testing methods, providing detailed insights into an individual's drug usage patterns over three months, thus informing better employment decisions based on accurate historical data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Swanville, MN
An essential feature of hair follicle testing is its robustness against tampering, minimizing risks of sample adulteration. This method ensures that the results obtained are authentic and indisputable, drawing on the natural properties of hair to secure and maintain sample integrity throughout the entire testing process, thereby guaranteeing reliable outcomes employers can trust.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Swanville, MN
Accredited Drug Testing provides extensive testing services both nationally and in Swanville, MN, offering convenience through multiple accessible locations. Our expansive network ensures quick, effortless access to testing centers, facilitating swift and hassle-free testing processes for all clients, wherever they are situated.
Simple, Confidential Process in Swanville, MN
Our hair follicle testing service is designed to be straightforward and confidential. The process of ordering, undergoing testing, and receiving results is streamlined for ease of use, with a focus on maintaining user privacy and confidentiality throughout. Our setup ensures concerns regarding data security and simplicity are adeptly addressed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Swanville, MN
We offer competitively priced hair follicle testing services with fast turnaround times. Our efficient processes ensure that companies of all sizes receive exceptional value, balancing cost-effectiveness with rapid results delivery. This approach supports better fiscal planning and timely substance use assessments.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Swanville, MN
Hair follicle drug testing offers rapid and reliable results, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. This testing method excels in both precision and speed, providing swift confirmation of substance presence and enabling quick decision-making. The hair test stands out for effectively detecting various substances, offering peace of mind with its trustworthy outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Swanville, MN
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities and improving safety standards. This testing method not only aligns with regulatory requirements but also enhances workplace security by accurately identifying substance use, providing companies peace of mind and a safer working environment.
