Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is perceived as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged overview of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When taken close to the scalp, it can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and various drugs. The process of obtaining hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, body hair of equivalent quantity can be utilized. The term head hair is specifically used for scalp hair, whereas body hair comprises all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a lab consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into the laboratory system. This process ensures the sample is appropriately sealed and mailed, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing details not included in an electronic custody system.
Screening is an initial assessment aimed at detecting drug abuse. While it offers a cost-effective method for dismissing drug use in most samples, any positive outcome requires confirmation to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the existing sample for Extraction. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a challenging technique.
Any positive Screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle located underneath the scalp.
In Worthington, MN, hair follicle testing is unequivocally more beneficial compared to traditional urine tests. Hair testing captures a wider window of detection, providing an accurate overview of long-term substance use. Unlike urine tests, which are somewhat limited by their shorter detection period, hair tests offer increased reliability and accuracy over time.
Employers and authorities seeking comprehensive substance histories find hair testing advantageous, as it is nearly impossible to manipulate, thus ensuring superior detection and trustworthiness.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Worthington, MN, is a notable advantage. Spanning up to 90 days, this method gives employers a thorough insight into an individual’s drug history, rather than the narrower perspective provided by urine tests.
Such extensive detection capabilities are crucial for employers who need a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's drug use over a prolonged period, thereby promoting informed decision-making.
In Worthington, MN, hair follicle tests significantly reduce any chance of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and indisputable outcomes.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing is less susceptible to adulteration due to its more complex and tamper-resistant process, providing employers with confidence in its accuracy and integrity.
In Worthington, MN, the accessibility to drug testing has been streamlined through numerous local and nationwide testing centers. These facilities offer a convenient and hassle-free way to undergo hair follicle testing.
Whether you're local or nearby, the widespread availability of testing centers ensures that access to our services is simple and efficient, minimizing travel and wait times.
Undergoing a hair follicle test in Worthington, MN, involves a simple and confidential process. Ordering, scheduling, and receiving your results are easy steps tailored to respect your privacy and confidentiality.
The process is structured to be user-friendly, ensuring each step is straightforward and secure, fostering confidence in both the method and the outcome.
In Worthington, MN, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and swift turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Our cost-effective testing options, combined with quick processing, ensure companies can maintain their budgets while not compromising on the quality and speed of the results, thus achieving peace of mind.
In Worthington, MN, the hair follicle drug test is renowned for its precision and speed, ensuring rapid and reliable results. Detecting substance use with high accuracy is vital for compliance, and hair testing delivers this with remarkable efficacy.
From the sample collection process to delivering results, the hair follicle test is structured to provide fast and accurate insights into an individual's substance use.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Worthington, MN, offers employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
This reduces potential legal exposures and bolsters workplace safety. By adhering to compliance standards, companies can confidently maintain a safe and secure working environment, fostering a culture of trust and responsibility.