Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to alter, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or more comprehensive tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By 'head hair', we mean solely scalp hair, and 'body hair' includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample into a lab's system. This entails verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any additional information not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of concern. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be acceptable in legal contexts. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Woodstock, MN, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests offer a clear advantage. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing ensures superior detection, reducing the chances of false negatives.
Hair follicle testing in Woodstock, MN, offers an extended detection window, identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, providing a thorough evaluation beyond recent usage.
Hair follicle tests in Woodstock, MN, provide a tamper-resistant testing method. These tests significantly reduce the risk of sample alteration, ensuring that results are reliable and unquestionable, offering peace of mind in the integrity of the testing process.
Woodstock, MN, benefits from our convenient testing locations. With centers nationwide, accessibility to our services is quick and hassle-free, ensuring that drug testing is simple to undertake for individuals and organizations alike.
The process in Woodstock, MN, is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns effectively while ensuring ease for users.
Our competitive pricing in Woodstock, MN, combined with fast turnaround times, ensures excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from efficient testing services that keep costs in check while delivering timely results.
The precision and speed of hair follicle tests in Woodstock, MN, set them apart. High accuracy ensures reliable detection of drug use. These tests deliver fast results, giving peace of mind about their reliability.
For employers in Woodstock, MN, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free protocols. This testing method aids in reducing legal risks and promoting a safer environment, providing peace of mind with adherence to policies.
