Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considered a potent mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair analysis offers an extended retrospective of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, it can reveal up to a roughly 90-day detection span for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hairs (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, ideally suited for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in processing a drug test result in a laboratory encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the sample's initial processing within the lab's system, ensuring that it was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails a preliminary swift evaluation for substances of abuse. Though economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to hold legal validity. Any sample deemed presumptively positive through Screening mandates further confirmation.
A presumptively positive outcome in the Screening phase leads to additional hair being extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening among the most intricate methodologies.
Confirming any positive Screening outcome is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples prefaced as positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wilmont, MN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection and reliability. In Wilmont, MN, the enhanced accuracy of hair tests ensures more comprehensive identification of substance use, making them a preferable choice for many.
Extended Detection Window in Wilmont, MN
Hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection period, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This makes them an excellent tool for employers in Wilmont, MN, to gain insight into an applicant's or employee's substance history, providing a far-reaching view beyond immediate consumption.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wilmont, MN
Hair follicle testing significantly curtails the possibility of sample adulteration. In Wilmont, MN, this testing method offers reliable and unquestionable results, maintaining integrity and trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wilmont, MN
Our extensive network of testing centers provides convenient access to drug testing services. In Wilmont, MN, and beyond, these facilities ensure quick, easy, and hassle-free testing, enhancing accessibility for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wilmont, MN
The process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential, from ordering to results. In Wilmont, MN, individuals can trust in the privacy and ease of use that hair tests offer, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wilmont, MN
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offer great value. Companies in Wilmont, MN, benefit from affordable testing solutions that provide peace of mind and efficiency, accommodating budgets of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wilmont, MN
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift results with unparalleled accuracy, making them an excellent choice for those seeking precise detection of substances. In Wilmont, MN, these tests deliver not only speed but also reliability, assuring users of their efficacy in identifying drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wilmont, MN
Utilizing hair follicle tests aids in maintaining compliance with workplace drug policies. For employers in Wilmont, MN, this means reduced legal risks and a safer working environment, ensuring peace of mind.
