Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. By retaining markers in its developing strands, hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug intake. When taken near the scalp, hair can be indicative of alcohol and drug presence for a period reaching up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, collecting an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. When we speak of head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary fast check for substance abuse. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples testing positive at the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations than other approaches (like urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is audited under both CAP's (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Excels Over Urine Tests in Raymond, MN centers around superior detection accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a broader detection window, capturing a substance history that spans up to 90 days. Such extended monitoring ensures employers receive trustworthy insights, providing a reliable alternative to urine tests.
Extended Detection Windows in Raymond, MN ensure thorough reporting of an individual’s substance use history. Hair follicle testing provides insights up to 90 days back, offering employers a comprehensive picture of applicants' or employees' habits. This expansive detection capability makes it an indispensable tool for those prioritizing safety and informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Raymond, MN significantly reduces risks of sample adulteration, delivering reliable and unimpeachable results. Hair follicle testing diminishes opportunities for falsifying results, ensuring that the sample integrity remains intact, and reinforcing confidence in the testing outcomes.
Convenient Testing Centers Across Raymond and Nationwide allow for hassle-free access to testing services. Whether local or across the country, our centers ensure a quick and easy process, providing flexibility and ease for everyone requiring testing services, making accessibility simple and effective.
Simplified, Confidential Procedures in Raymond, MN streamline the process from order to results. Concerns about privacy are addressed through our secure and user-friendly systems, ensuring that individuals can undertake tests with ease and confidence, prioritizing their privacy at every stage.
Budget-Friendly Pricing and Quick Results in Raymond, MN ensure excellent value. With competitive pricing and swift response times, our services offer cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes, delivering both peace of mind and financial efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Swift, Precise Outcomes in Raymond, MN provide unmatched accuracy in detecting substances. Hair follicle tests stand out for their efficiency and reliability, offering prompt and precise results that enhance safety and trust in various settings. By providing a high standard of testing, individuals and organizations can confidently rely on the outcomes.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Raymond, MN with hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This proactive approach mitigates legal risks and promotes a safer work environment, making compliance seamless and providing peace of mind for employers seeking to maintain high safety standards.
