Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a vital tool in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection timeframe for various substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes verifying the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial quick assessment for drug abuse indications. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a supplementary confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screen results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Aldrich, MN stands out for its superior detection accuracy when compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests may identify recent usage, hair tests offer a broader detection time. Hair tests unveil a more comprehensive picture of substance use patterns, providing not only accuracy but also more reliable results over time.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Aldrich, MN is a significant advantage. Unlike other methods, it reveals drug usage over up to 90 days. This extended timeline offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance history, presenting insights into habits rather than just recent usage.
Hair follicle testing in Aldrich, MN presents a robust defense against adulteration. With a nearly foolproof collection process, it offers results that are difficult to cheat. The method greatly reduces the risk of tampering, assuring employers and legal authorities of the reliability and trustworthiness of the findings.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to services in Aldrich, MN. Our numerous centers ensure a quick and hassle-free process for everyone, allowing individuals and employers alike to efficiently manage drug testing needs without delay.
In Aldrich, MN, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. Our service emphasizes ease of use, from ordering the test to receiving the results. Users are assured of privacy, simplifying their experience while ensuring that their sensitive information is securely handled.
Accredited Drug Testing in Aldrich, MN offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair tests. Our affordable rates combined with quick delivery of results make them an appealing choice for businesses, offering both value and efficiency in drug testing services.
In Aldrich, MN, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their quick and accurate results. Their precision in identifying substances is unparalleled, making them a preferred choice for those seeking reliable testing methods. Not only do they detect usage accurately, but the results are delivered swiftly, ensuring timely information for critical decisions.
Employers in Aldrich, MN find peace of mind using hair follicle tests for workplace compliance. The method supports drug-free policy maintenance, minimizing legal risks while bolstering safety. By ensuring accurate testing results, employers are better equipped to foster a secure work environment.
