Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by retaining biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can indicate a roughly 3-month period of alcohol and drug detection. The sampling process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Use a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing of the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all non-scalp hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory's system, ensuring correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening comprises an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse indicators. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require secondary confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rosendale, MN
Hair follicle tests boast several advantages over traditional urine tests. The foremost benefit is their superior detection accuracy, as hair samples cannot be easily tampered with, unlike urine. This results in more reliable outcomes. Additionally, hair testing offers a longer detection window, making it a formidable choice for identifying long-term substance use.
Clients seeking the best in drug testing prefer hair samples due to these beneficial attributes.
Extended Detection Window in Rosendale, MN
Hair follicle tests deliver an extensive detection period, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This lengthy window offers employers a comprehensive view of a person's substance history. Unlike other testing methods, which provide short-term insights, hair tests highlight a broader and deeper understanding of an individual’s substance habits.
Employers in Rosendale, MN, appreciate this feature, providing confidence in long-term drug monitoring.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rosendale, MN
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring credible results. This is crucial for employers relying on drug test accuracy to uphold their policies.
Unlike urine tests, which can be susceptible to tampering, hair sampling provides a robust defense against falsified results, giving employers peace of mind with every test conducted in Rosendale, MN.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rosendale, MN
Our nationwide and local testing centers in Rosendale, MN, offer accessible and hassle-free services. The convenience of our locations ensures a swift and efficient testing experience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rosendale, MN
Our testing process in Rosendale, MN, is designed to be simple and confidential, catering to user privacy and convenience. From ordering to receiving results, each step is streamlined for ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rosendale, MN
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times provide exceptional value and assurance for businesses in Rosendale, MN. We offer cost-effective solutions without compromising quality, tailored to fit varied company sizes.
Ensuring businesses receive accurate outputs promptly aids in maintaining operational efficiencies and budget constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rosendale, MN
Hair follicle drug tests in Rosendale, MN, deliver rapid and precise results. Their efficiency in identifying substance use surpasses many alternatives. With advanced technology, these tests provide highly accurate outcomes that are valuable for routine checks.
Employers trust the reliability of hair tests due to their detailed analyses that promptly reveal traces of drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rosendale, MN
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers gain confidence knowing their workforce abides by requisite regulations, minimizing liabilities.
This method provides peace of mind, confirming employees are in adherence, thus supporting a healthy work environment and protecting business interests.
