Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a prolonged record of drug and alcohol presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For tests related to EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to use 150mg of the specimen. We recommend using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary swift check for drug usage. While Screening serves as an economical method to discount drug use across most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair drug testing as the most challenging method to execute.
The Confirmatory stage for any positive screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually evaluate the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Willernie, MN
Hair follicle testing in Willernie, MN offers enhanced accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. The superior detection and the inability to tamper with samples make hair tests a preferred choice over urine tests for comprehensive and trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in Willernie, MN
In Willernie, MN, hair follicle testing extends the detection period of drug use to up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough view of an individual's substance history, offering more insights compared to shorter detection methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Willernie, MN
Hair follicle testing in Willernie, MN significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliability. With the difficulty of adulterating hair samples, these tests offer unquestionable and dependable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Willernie, MN
With testing centers across the nation, including Willernie, MN, accessing quick and hassle-free testing services is streamlined. Our widespread locations ensure convenience and simplicity in drug testing access.
Simple, Confidential Process in Willernie, MN
The hair follicle testing procedure in Willernie, MN is straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, the process respects confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Willernie, MN
In Willernie, MN, competitive pricing and fast result turnaround characterize our hair follicle testing services. Businesses of all sizes receive valuable and timely insights without significant expenditure.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Willernie, MN
Hair follicle tests in Willernie, MN ensure speed and reliability, offering high precision in detecting drug use. With results available promptly, they provide a swift method for identifying substance use without compromising on accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Willernie, MN
Hair follicle testing in Willernie, MN ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, lowering legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers benefit from peace of mind through these reliable testing methods.
