Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substances, including alcohol, by embedding markers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it can offer a detection period of roughly three months for substances such as alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample gets initially processed into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening returns a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves retrieving drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the most complex methodologies.
The Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before Confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Viola, MN, hair follicle testing is gaining traction over urine testing due to notable benefits. Hair tests offer a longer window for detection, revealing drug use as far back as 90 days, whereas urine screens typically detect recent usage. For employers, this means a clearer, more inclusive view of an individual's substance habits, setting hair tests apart in their quest for accurate and secure screening methods.
Extended detection windows of up to 90 days make hair follicle testing in Viola, MN advantageous for employers. This method offers a thorough examination of a person's drug history over recent months, unlike urine tests that cover a much shorter timeline. Such comprehensive insight assists employers in making informed decisions about potential hires and current employees, ensuring drug-free work environments.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Viola, MN ensures credible results. Unlike urine samples which can be adulterated, hair samples significantly lower the risk of tampering. This reliability in results provides employers with confidence in their testing processes, minimizing doubts and enhancing the authenticity of negative or positive outcomes.
With our nationwide and local testing centers in Viola, MN, getting tested is hassle-free. The availability of various locations ensures convenience for individuals requiring testing services. Whether local or elsewhere, our centers provide quick and accessible testing options, removing the stress of finding a nearby facility.
In Viola, MN, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are designed to protect privacy. Understanding concerns surrounding confidentiality, we've streamlined the process to be both user-friendly and secure, ensuring peace of mind for all users.
Our pricing in Viola, MN is affordable with quick service turnaround. We aim to provide competitive pricing without compromising on quality or speed of results. Businesses of all sizes benefit from our efficient processes, enjoying valuable services that ensure both economy and efficacy for their drug testing needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Viola, MN provide fast, precise, and dependable results. These tests are known for their high accuracy, efficiently detecting substance use. With such reliability, they reassure employers seeking trustworthy methods to screen individuals. Hair testing not only ensures prompt outcomes but also maintains a standard of precision unmatched by other test forms.
For employers in Viola, MN, hair follicle testing promotes compliance and provides peace of mind. Utilizing this method aids in adhering to workplace drug-free policies. By reducing legal risks and boosting safety measures, employers create a more secure work environment. This proactive approach helps in maintaining a responsible, effective workforce.
