Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Underwood, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, it offers roughly a three-month detection range for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary stages in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves initially processing a specimen into a lab’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was securely sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug use for the majority of specimens, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. All samples that indicate a possible positive in Screening require subsequent verification.

If a sample is deemed possibly positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this process, substances are pulled from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.

Verification of any positive screen results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples necessitate washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Challenging to circumvent: Hair drug tests are difficult to fool, ensuring more reliable results.
• Historical data provision: They can illustrate a drug use pattern over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs typically take 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests usually cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand, not the underlying hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Underwood, MN

• Hair testing offers a longer detection window compared to traditional urine tests, capturing a detailed history of drug use.
• The accuracy and reliability of hair tests exceed that of urine tests, making them ideal for rigorous workplace safety and compliance needs.
• Employers gain enhanced insights, helping to uphold zero-tolerance policies effectively and reduce workplace risks.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Underwood, MN

• Hair follicle tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering a panoramic view of an individual’s substance history.
• This extended window allows employers to assess consistent drug use patterns, crucial for a comprehensive employee evaluation.
• Safeguard your workplace by making informed decisions based on long-term drug behavior insights.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Underwood, MN

• Hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against sample tampering, ensuring reliable results.
• The non-invasive collection method significantly decreases the likelihood of adulteration, enhancing dependability.
• Organizations can trust the integrity of results, alleviating concerns about sample manipulation and arriving at fair evaluations.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Underwood, MN

• Experience the ease of access with our extensive network of testing centers distributed nationwide.
• Local testing facilities in Underwood, MN, guarantee quick and hassle-free testing services for all.
• With locations everywhere, our services ensure timely testing without logistical hurdles, facilitating seamless compliance processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Underwood, MN

• Convenience and discretion are central to our testing process, providing simplicity from start to finish.
• Ordering a test is straightforward, maintaining confidentiality every step of the way to safeguard personal information.
• Receive results without concerns over privacy, ensuring peace of mind for all test-takers, reinforcing our commitment to confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Underwood, MN

• Benefit from competitive pricing structures that do not compromise quality, ideal for businesses of any size.
• Expect a swift turnaround time, delivering results promptly and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Achieve excellent value for your investment, reducing costs while ensuring trusted drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Underwood, MN

• Hair follicle drug tests provide impressive speed and unmatched precision in detecting substance use.
• Experience minimal waiting times and receive dependable results swiftly, offering peace of mind and operational efficiency for employers.
• Ensure high levels of accuracy, providing a true reflection of an individual's drug use history, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Underwood, MN

• Employing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal entanglements.
• Ensure a safer, more productive work environment by effectively identifying and managing drug use among employees.
• By choosing hair testing, employers can trust in compliance with industry standards and regulations, fostering peace of mind.

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