Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means to identify the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a longer-duration record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair offers almost a 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch length of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional metrics, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equal measure of body hair may be utilized. By head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary handling of a specimen into the lab’s framework. This ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry that an electronic chain of custody system omits.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples suggesting positivity in Screening must have secondary verification.
For samples suggesting positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging procedure to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcomes is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and the approval to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Remark: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is superior to urine testing in Akeley, MN due to its enhanced detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis covers a broader detection window, offering up to 90 days of substance history. This reliability makes it a more attractive option for employers focused on comprehensive drug-free workplace policies.
One standout feature of hair follicle testing in Akeley, MN is its extended detection window. By capturing a 90-day history of drug use, employers gain detailed insights into an individual’s substance use over time, offering a complete view beyond the limitations of shorter-term tests.
Hair follicle tests in Akeley, MN are designed to be tamper-resistant, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This testing method guarantees reliable and indisputable results, providing peace of mind for those requiring unimpeachable sample integrity.
Offering convenient testing locations nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures those in Akeley, MN have easy access to our centers. This network facilitates quick, effortless, and stress-free testing experiences, catering to the diverse needs of our clients.
In Akeley, MN, our straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing addresses privacy concerns with ease. From ordering to receiving results, the emphasis is on providing a user-friendly, discreet experience that respects client confidentiality.
Accredited Drug Testing in Akeley, MN, emphasizes affordable pricing and swift result delivery. Our competitive pricing model and rapid turnaround times offer excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes seeking cost-effective testing solutions.
In Akeley, MN, hair follicle drug tests provide fast and precise results, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. This method surpasses traditional tests by providing reliable outcomes quickly, making it a preferred choice for those needing efficient testing solutions.
By implementing hair follicle testing in Akeley, MN, employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing litigation risks and enhancing the safety and integrity of their work environment. This approach supports compliance and mitigates potential liabilities.
