Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When collected near the scalp, hair may offer up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical phases in laboratory processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as an efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate confirmatory testing.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other testing methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the more challenging methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", this analysis evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wadena, MN: Hair tests offer a longer detection window compared to urine tests, providing superior accuracy.
Hair follicle testing excels in uncovering substance use histories that urine tests may miss, offering more reliable and comprehensive data.
Extended Detection Window in Wadena, MN: Hair follicle tests have the edge with their ability to detect drug usage up to 90 days, offering a thorough insight into substance use history.
Employers benefit from the long detection window of hair tests, which expose drug use patterns that shorter-term tests might overlook.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wadena, MN: Hair follicle tests reduce sample tampering risks, ensuring trustworthy and unaltered results.
The methodology behind hair testing resists adulteration, making it a reliable choice for accurate and definitive drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wadena, MN: With a widespread network of testing centers, our services are easily accessible, simplifying the testing process.
Benefit from convenient local and national testing sites, facilitating smooth, efficient, and stress-free testing experiences for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wadena, MN: Easily order, partake in, and receive results with our straightforward, confidential system.
We prioritize privacy and simplicity, ensuring a seamless experience for users concerned with confidentiality and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wadena, MN: Our competitive rates and swift processing times offer unmatched value to businesses of varying sizes.
Experience cost-effective services with rapid result delivery, providing peace of mind with excellent financial value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wadena, MN: Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and quick turnaround times, ensuring an accurate detection of substance use.
With state-of-the-art techniques, hair testing provides fast and reliable outcomes, making it a preferred choice for those seeking conclusive results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wadena, MN: Hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal concerns and enhancing workplace safety.
Employers opting for hair testing can achieve compliance confidence, knowing their drug testing policies are robust and effective.
