Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair effectively records a long-term history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand’s fibers. When harvested near the scalp, hair can detect alcohol and drugs over a period of roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of about 200 strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and any tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal phases in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any leftover data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening process, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to carry out.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wendell, MN
Hair follicle testing offers a longer detection window and is less susceptible to tampering than traditional urine tests. With the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days back, this method provides a more comprehensive drug use profile. Its reliability and precision make it an attractive choice for employers and other entities.
Extended Detection Window in Wendell, MN
The hair follicle testing method shines with its extended detection capabilities. By analyzing the hair, substances used over much longer periods, up to 90 days, can be detected. This provides employers with an overall view of their employees' substance habits, which is crucial for maintaining workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wendell, MN
Hair follicle tests make sample adulteration nearly impossible, ensuring reliable results. The method's robustness comes from the nature of hair analysis, which bypasses many of the manipulation tactics associated with other testing methods, thus providing peace of mind to employers and legal authorities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wendell, MN
The extensive network of testing centers offers a seamless experience for clients. Regardless of location, our services provide accessible and convenient testing solutions, ensuring minimal disruption to daily business operations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wendell, MN
Our process for obtaining and conducting hair follicle tests is designed with simplicity and confidentiality at its core. Each step, from order to result, is streamlined to protect individual privacy and meet the needs of busy professionals and businesses.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wendell, MN
Our competitive pricing strategies offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes, along with quick turnaround on results. This approach not only provides financial benefits but also assures organizations of timely and dependable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wendell, MN
Our hair follicle drug tests are designed to deliver results with unparalleled speed and precision. By using state-of-the-art technology, these tests can detect a wide range of substances, allowing employers to make informed decisions swiftly. The accuracy of hair testing means that individuals and organizations can rely on these results for critical matters.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wendell, MN
Implementing hair follicle testing aids in upholding workplace drug-free policies and offers employers confidence in the safety and integrity of their work environment. This approach mitigates legal risks and reinforces safety, fostering a trustworthy organizational culture.
