Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month period of detection for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest verifying the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, the equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This phase involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data inputs not accommodated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result necessitates verification to be recognized legally. Any samples presumed positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and set up for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Breckenridge, MN, hair tests offer superior benefits over urine tests. Hair testing methods detect a longer history of drug use, highlighting their advantage.
Unlike urine tests, hair analysis presents a detailed account of an individual's substance usage over several months. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests surpass conventional urine tests, which often miss early and inconsistent use patterns.
Hair follicle testing in Breckenridge, MN, extends the detection window considerably, offering insights into drug consumption up to 90 days prior. This extended detection timeframe presents a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug history.
Employers benefit from this approach, gaining a fuller context of prospective or current employees' past behavior. Such detailed analyses ensure informed decision-making concerning workplace safety and policy compliance.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair tests in Breckenridge, MN, increases the credibility of the results. Hair samples are less prone to manipulation compared to urine, ensuring dependable outcomes in drug testing scenarios.
With hair follicle testing, the opportunities for sample adulteration are significantly reduced, presenting a trustworthy and objective assessment of substance use, and minimizing potential disputes regarding test integrity.
The convenience of testing is enhanced by numerous nationwide centers available in Breckenridge, MN. Our extensive network ensures that businesses and individuals have quick, easy access to hair follicle testing services, minimizing disruption.
Whether you're local or traveling, finding a testing site is hassle-free, guaranteeing timely and efficient drug testing, essential for maintaining organizational and personal schedules.
In Breckenridge, MN, the hair follicle drug testing process is refined for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering a test is straightforward, and results are delivered swiftly and discreetly, ensuring privacy at all stages.
Participants can be assured of a non-invasive procedure, with secure handling of personal data, adding to the overall ease and security of the testing experience.
Our hair follicle testing in Breckenridge, MN, combines affordable pricing with quick turnaround times, providing excellent value. Employers of all sizes can manage their budgets effectively without compromising on test quality.
The competitive pricing structure, coupled with reliable and swift result delivery, makes our services appealing to businesses looking to enforce drug policies economically and efficiently.
In Breckenridge, MN, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, making them a top choice for substance detection. The precision in analyzing hair samples ensures that even the smallest traces of drug residue are detected, showcasing their reliability.
The high accuracy of these tests helps in assessing both current and past drug use efficiently, crucial for employers and authorities alike. The swift return on results means decisions can be made quickly and confidently.
Employers in Breckenridge, MN, experience peace of mind knowing that hair follicle tests align with strict drug-free policies. Such compliance reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by ensuring that substance use is consistently monitored and managed.
Maintaining a drug-free environment through hair testing helps uphold company standards and reassures both staff and clients of the organization’s commitment to safety.
