Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair gives an extensive timeline of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the fiber of the emerging hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can yield approximately a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hairs, comparable to a #2 pencil's size, adjacent to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of head hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair denotes hair strictly from the scalp. In contrast, body hair signifies other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system, which includes checking the integrity and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs. While cost-effective for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated for legal acceptability. Positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation procedure.
For samples presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is taken from the sample for Extraction. In this process, drug elements are separated from hair at lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive specimens undergo cleansing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Wales, MN, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. While urine tests are limited to detecting recent drug use, hair testing offers a superior detection accuracy that reaches up to 90 days. This longer detection window provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history.
In Wales, MN, hair follicle testing is prized for its extended detection window, detecting substances consumed up to 90 days prior. This capability grants employers invaluable insight into an individual's long-term drug use, surpassing the limitations of urine testing, which is constrained to a much shorter look-back period.
Hair follicle tests in Wales, MN, greatly diminish the chances of sample tampering, presenting a reliable option for authentic results. The difficulty of adulterating a hair sample, as opposed to a urine sample, elevates the trustworthiness of hair testing, ensuring its results remain unquestioned and valid for crucial decision-making.
With convenient testing locations throughout Wales, MN, and nationwide, hair follicle drug testing is accessible and easy. Our network allows for quick, hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring that you can find a nearby center wherever you are, without the stress of lengthy travel or appointments.
The hair follicle testing process in Wales, MN, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is designed with ease of use and privacy in mind, alleviating concerns and making the process smooth for all involved.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Wales, MN, provides excellent value. This balance of affordability and efficiency caters to businesses of all sizes, giving them peace of mind with reliable testing without a hefty cost.
Hair follicle drug tests in Wales, MN, are known for their precision and speed in detecting substance use, offering highly reliable and accurate results. This method drastically enhances the ability to identify drug and alcohol consumption, providing employers with a reliable tool to ensure a drug-free workplace.
Employers in Wales, MN, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies by employing hair follicle testing. The comprehensive nature of hair testing not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances workplace safety and peace of mind by confirming adherence to set regulations without exception.
