Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent instrument for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When extracted near the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drug substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair can be gathered. In the context of head hair, this refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, allotting a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift inspection for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally acceptable. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening demand secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests preliminarily positive in the Screening step, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and prepped for Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most challenging procedure to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes a wash before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Terrebonne, MN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a superior assessment approach, known for its longer detection period and heightened detection accuracy. Employers seeking reliable and precise results find hair testing to be the excellent choice, ensuring enhanced trust in the substance abuse testing process.
Extended Detection Window in Terrebonne, MN
The ability to detect substance use over an extended period distinguishes hair follicle testing. It provides employers with a comprehensive overview of a person's substance use up to 90 days, offering more significant insights into one's drug history, thus aiding informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Terrebonne, MN
The robust nature of hair follicle tests minimizes the chances of tampering, ensuring integrity and reliability of the results. This technologically advanced method provides confidence due to its near-impossibility to adulterate, making it a trusted option among testing experts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Terrebonne, MN
Our testing centers are distributed nationwide, including Terrebonne, enabling fast, straightforward access to testing services. The ease and efficiency of locating a nearby center streamline the entire testing experience, fostering stress-free drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Terrebonne, MN
The hair testing process is straightforward and private, ensuring seamless ordering, taking, and retrieval of results. Confidentiality is prioritized, addressing concerns about privacy while maintaining user-friendly procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Terrebonne, MN
We commit to offering competitive prices and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value for businesses. Companies of varying sizes benefit from the efficient cost structure, ensuring peace of mind in managing their testing requirements.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Terrebonne, MN
Hair follicle drug testing provides rapid, precise findings, widely acknowledged for their superior accuracy. This method's proficiency in detecting substances efficiently sets it apart from other testing forms. Local residents benefit from the reliability of these tests, proving essential for timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Terrebonne, MN
Employing hair follicle testing helps adhere to workplace drug policies, thus enhancing safety and reducing legal liabilities. Ensuring a drug-free environment provides peace of mind for employers, reflecting positively on workplace culture and performance.
