Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding markers in the strands of hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month period of substance use for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 hairs (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for testing purposes. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or those over 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, body hair in a similar amount can be taken. "Head hair" specifies only scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test involves four main processes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with integrating a specimen into the lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was securely sealed and properly transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry needs not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick initial test for drug presence. Though Screening economically rules out drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires detailed verification for legal acceptance. Any samples that test positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels than in alternate methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair testing one of the most challenging techniques.
Positive results in the screening are confirmed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples marked as presumptive positives are washed if necessary. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often named "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Villard, MN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can uncover drug use over an extended period, unlike urine tests that have shorter detection windows.
Employers find hair testing a more dependable option for maintaining drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Villard, MN
Hair follicle tests provide a longer detection timeframe compared to other methods. They can identify drug use up to 90 days back, offering a thorough view of an individual's substance use history. This quality makes it beneficial for employers needing insight into a candidate's or employee's drug habits over time.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Villard, MN
Hair follicle tests reduce the risk of sample contamination, delivering results of high integrity. This method serves as a reliable and foolproof testing approach, deterring tampering efforts that are more common in other test types.
These factors contribute to consistently credible outcomes.
Convenience with Nationwide Testing Locations in Villard, MN
Our extensive network of testing centers makes obtaining a hair follicle test accessible and simple. Villard, MN residents benefit from our local facilities, ensuring they receive prompt and efficient testing services.
Effortless and Confidential Testing Process in Villard, MN
Our process for engaging in hair follicle drug testing is both simple and private. Steps for ordering, conducting, and receiving results are designed to be straightforward while guarding privacy at every stage.
This ensures peace of mind for all parties involved.
Competitive Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Villard, MN
Our commitment to providing affordable and timely hair follicle drug tests delivers excellent value to organizations, large and small. Our pricing structures are competitive, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising service quality.
Fast and Accurate Results in Villard, MN
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Villard, MN offer unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use. Results are delivered efficiently, reducing wait times and aiding swift decision-making for employers.
Individuals and employers can rely on these tests for trustworthy and prompt results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Villard, MN
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers ensure adherence to drug-free work policies, which safeguards against potential legal issues and enhances workplace safety. This testing choice secures higher compliance levels and reassures employers about the integrity of their workforce.
