Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-lasting record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within its growing fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, reasonably resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), taken closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation purposes. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample utilizing a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. In references to head hair, only scalp hair is implied. Body hair encompasses all other variations such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any data entry omissions not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening involves an initial drug abuse assessment. While Screening is a budget-friendly way to rule out drug usage for most samples, to be admissible in legal contexts, a positive screen needs confirmation. Samples displaying presumptive positive results in the Screening phase require additional confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), showcasing the complexity of conducting hair drug analyses.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presuming positivity undergo necessary washing prior to confirmation. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the standards of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Franklin, MN
Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine testing by providing superior accuracy and reliability in detecting substance use. Unlike the shorter detection window of urine tests, hair tests capture a broader timeline of usage. The consistency and robustness of hair follicle testing make it a preferred choice for organizations dedicated to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Franklin, MN
Hair follicle testing detects drug usage over an extended period of up to 90 days, providing a thorough insight into an employee or applicant's substance use history. This elongated detection window makes hair tests invaluable for employers seeking a comprehensive view of an individual's consumption patterns, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Franklin, MN
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chances of sample tampering, delivering trustworthy results that stakeholders can rely on. The method’s inherent resistance to adulteration provides peace of mind, ensuring that outcomes are genuine and reflect actual substance use patterns.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Franklin, MN
Accessing drug testing services in Franklin is seamless with our extensive network of nationwide centers. This extensive footprint ensures that individuals and companies experience convenient, hassle-free testing services, saving time and effort while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Franklin, MN
The process of ordering and conducting hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Participants enjoy privacy throughout the procedure, with efficient ordering and results retrieval, addressing concerns about both privacy and usability with assurance.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Franklin, MN
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with swift turnaround times provide exceptional value to businesses of any size. Quick results minimize downtime and ensure that companies maintain operations effectively, benefiting from both cost savings and expedited processing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Franklin, MN
Hair follicle drug tests in Franklin offer precision and speed, ensuring that results are both rapid and reliable. These tests boast high accuracy in uncovering substance use, allowing for swift and decisive action. The reliability of hair follicle testing makes them ideal for entities in need of prompt results without compromising on accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Franklin, MN
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing benefit from enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and bolstering safety. By opting for this testing method, businesses can fortify their commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
