Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lockhart, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other kinds (facial, axillary, and so on).

Process Overview

The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes verifying the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any samples that appear positive in Screening need further confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for further Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to cheat: It is very challenging to falsify a hair drug test, ensuring more accurate results.
• Offers historical data: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Variability in results: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lockhart, MN

• In Lockhart, hair follicle tests deliver superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests.
• Hair testing excels with a significant advantage in detecting drug use over extended periods, while urine tests are limited to recent detection.
• Employers benefit from the reliability and thoroughness of hair testing, promoting a safer workplace environment.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Lockhart, MN

• In Lockhart, hair follicle testing provides a broader detection window, extending up to 90 days.
• Employers receive a comprehensive insight into an individual’s drug use history, facilitating informed decisions for safer workplaces.
• With hair testing, long-term substance habits are more transparently observed, offering a more accurate assessment over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lockhart, MN

• Hair follicle tests in Lockhart nearly eliminate the risk of sample tampering, providing unquestionable results.
• This testing method secures data integrity, making it a preferred choice for reliable drug use detection.
• Employers and authorities value the reduced adulteration risks inherent in hair testing, upholding trust in the results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lockhart, MN

• Our widespread testing centers guarantee easy access to drug testing services nationwide and locally in Lockhart.
• Residents of Lockhart enjoy hassle-free, convenient testing solutions tailored to their needs, ensuring optimal service delivery.
• Nationwide, our testing centers offer swift, accessible options for comprehensive drug testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Lockhart, MN

• In Lockhart, the process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and confidential.
• Privacy and simplicity are prioritized, mitigating concerns and ensuring a user-friendly experience.
• Clients appreciate the ease and discretion associated with hair testing procedures, reinforcing their commitment to privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lockhart, MN

• Our competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times in Lockhart offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
• Hair testing is cost-effective, providing quick results without sacrificing accuracy and reliability.
• Businesses benefit from budget-friendly options that deliver efficient and precise drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lockhart, MN

• Hair follicle tests in Lockhart provide unmatched precision and speed, offering dependable outcomes for substance detection.
• Combining rapid processing with high accuracy, these tests ensure reliable results essential for maintaining a drug-free environment.
• Employers gain peace of mind with fast turnarounds, ensuring minimal disruption while achieving top-tier accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lockhart, MN

• Hair follicle testing in Lockhart ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities.
• Employers experience peace of mind through enhanced safety and adherence to regulatory standards.
• This technique enhances workplace security by effectively monitoring substance abuse, fostering a safe working atmosphere.

Drug Testing Near Lockhart, MN

Crookston, MN

Fossum, MN

Eldred, MN

Hendrum, MN

Borup, MN

Maple Bay, MN

Twin Valley, MN

Climax, MN

Halstad, MN

Nielsville, MN

Shelly, MN

Gary, MN

Fertile, MN

Greenview, MN

Ada, MN