Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair can capture a long-term record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strand's fibers as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (roughly comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) at the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments exceeding ten panels, 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is gathered. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result process in the lab comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample into a lab’s framework. This stage confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a rapid preliminary test for substances of abuse. Although it is an economical method to eliminate drug use for most samples, any positive result during Screening requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set for Extraction. This stage involves removing drugs from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the strand, not the sub-dermal hair follicle.
The merits of hair follicle testing over standard urine tests in Nielsville, MN, are clear. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy with a significantly longer detection window, making them more reliable over time. Unlike urine tests, hair tests require a smaller sample size and produce unambiguous results, minimizing the risk of false negatives and positives.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Nielsville, MN, is its extended detection window, which can go up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed overview of substance use history over several months. Such comprehensive insight is invaluable for making informed decisions about employment and maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Nielsville, MN, significantly minimizes the risk of adulteration. Due to its tamper-resistant nature, these tests deliver results that are trustworthy and unquestionable. This affords employers peace of mind, knowing that the results reflect an accurate assessment of an individual's substance use.
Testing services are accessible both nationwide and in Nielsville, MN. The convenience of our extensive network of testing locations ensures that employees and employers have quick and easy access to the necessary drug testing services. This makes the entire process hassle-free for everyone involved.
In Nielsville, MN, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns. This approach ensures an easy and discreet experience from start to finish, which is crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Nielsville, MN, offers excellent value. Our services cater to companies of all sizes, providing them with peace of mind and affordable options. The swift results ensure that decisions can be made promptly, supporting efficient operations across the board.
In Nielsville, MN, hair follicle drug tests offer precision and speed. These tests are highly accurate in detecting recent and past substance use. Fast results coupled with reliable data make them indispensable for crucial decision-making Nationwide and Locally. Their efficiency ensures that results are both immediate and dependable.
For employers in Nielsville, MN, hair follicle testing provides a reliable method to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach helps reduce legal risks, enhances workplace safety, and contributes to fostering a healthier working environment, giving employers peace of mind large and small.
