Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting alcoholic substances and narcotics. The hair retains markers within the strands of the hair as it grows, thus offering a historical insight into drug and alcohol use. When obtained near the scalp, hair samples can reveal substance use for up to about 90 days. The collection of hair is uncomplicated, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil, provides 100mg, which is the ideal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. In this context, head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. All other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.) fall under body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test outcome involve four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample’s initial integration into a lab’s system. It entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and accurately dispatched, the allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any extra data entry that is not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary fast scan for drug abuse substances. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug consumption in most samples, any positive indication during Screening necessitates confirmation to be valid legally. Samples that test presumptive positive during Screening require further confirmation.
In instances where a sample shows presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from the hair at comparatively lower concentrations than other methods (e.g. urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening results is completed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that appear presumptively positive undergo washing before the confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following the designation by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used misleadingly; the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Parkers Prairie, MN.
Comparing hair tests with traditional urine tests reveals superior detection and reliability. Hair testing identifies substance use over extended periods, offering a broader picture, whereas urine tests often miss longer-term drug use patterns, impacting their accuracy.
Extended Detection Window in Parkers Prairie, MN.
Notable for its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers in Parkers Prairie a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, surpassing the limited scope of traditional testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Parkers Prairie, MN.
Hair follicle tests are known for their robustness against tampering, ensuring that the results obtained are both reliable and indisputable. This feature drastically reduces risks of sample adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Parkers Prairie, MN.
Our vast network of testing centers nationwide, including Parkers Prairie, guarantees that accessing drug testing services is both straightforward and stress-free, accommodating client's schedules and requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Parkers Prairie, MN.
The process is designed to be straightforward while maintaining confidentiality. From ordering to test-taking and result reception, each step assures privacy and ease, addressed specifically to users' concerns about discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Parkers Prairie, MN.
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, ensuring that companies of all sizes receive excellent value, expediting their decision-making processes with reliability and affordability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Parkers Prairie, MN.
Hair follicle testing epitomizes speed and precision, offering unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use. This testing method provides prompt and dependable results, making it a preferred choice for those requiring definitive answers swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Parkers Prairie, MN.
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free protocols, minimizing legal liabilities and bolstering safety standards. Employers find reassurance in the compliance guaranteed by this method.
