Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Albany, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term records of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to about three months. It's easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will give 100mg, the perfect sample for both screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair can't be used, the same amount of body hair is an alternative. By head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning covers the initial handling of a sample into the laboratory’s database. This involves confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional info entry not available from an electronic custody trail system.

Screening is a preliminary, quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need further affirmation.

If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at considerably lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis the toughest approach to perform.

Verification of positive screenings is through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire lab operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standard certification.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection span.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers historical patterns: It provides a timeline of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Can't detect immediate use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally costs more than other drug tests.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and personal hair growth variations may impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests specifically analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why do hair follicle tests outperform urine tests in Albany, MN? It's mainly their ability to detect drug use over an extended period that makes them superior. In comparison to conventional urine testing, hair tests offer better detection accuracy.

For Albany employers, hair testing provides greater reliability over traditional urine tests. The enhanced detection period, coupled with accuracy and difficulty to manipulate, ensures comprehensive substance use insight over three months.

Extended Detection Window

In Albany, MN, the hallmark of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This allows employers a comprehensive outlook on a person's substance history, vital for informed decision-making.

With an impressive detection window, hair follicle tests offer Albany employers a valuable tool in assessing long-term substance usage. This broader scope aids in better evaluating an individual's past drug use, empowering thorough evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Albany, MN sees hair follicle testing as a robust solution against tampering. This method reduces tampering risks significantly, delivering trustworthy results that are hard to question.

Hair follicle tests provide Albany employers with a tamper-resistant option, making them a preferred choice where verification is crucial. By lowering adulteration risks, they produce results that employers can depend on with confidence.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

For swift and stress-free testing in Albany, MN, the availability of nationwide and local testing centers stands out. It ensures easy access to services across a wide area, simplifying the testing experience.

With accessible locations throughout Albany, our testing centers highlight convenience. Nationwide reach ensures services are not just limited locally but extend to any needed location, ensuring quick, efficient access.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Albany, MN, the aspect of hair follicle testing is its simplicity and confidentiality. The process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring that individuals can order, perform, and get results with ease and privacy.

Albany residents will appreciate the simple, confidential nature of the hair follicle testing process, easing any privacy concerns. It’s specifically crafted to maintain discretion and efficiency at every step.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Albany, MN, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive prices with rapid turnaround times. This ensures businesses receive great value along with peace of mind.

We aim to provide Albany companies with affordable pricing and expedient results, optimizing satisfaction and ensuring services fit their budget without compromise on quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Albany, MN, hair follicle tests stand out with their speed and accuracy, providing fast, reliable results. Known for their precision, these tests are adept at detecting substance use, offering assurance to employers who prioritize quick outcomes.

With hair follicle testing, Albany employers benefit from its high degree of accuracy, making it an ideal choice for substance detection. This method not only uncovers illicit use with precision but also serves as a dependable and swift tool for drug testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Albany, MN, hair follicle testing offers employers compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thereby enhancing legal safety and protecting workplace integrity.

Using hair follicle tests, Albany employers benefit from stringent compliance, minimizing legal exposures while promoting a secure workplace. It ensures employees adhere to drug policies, fostering a more productive environment.

Drug Testing Near Albany, MN

St. Joseph, MN

Saint Joseph, MN

Upsala, MN

Richmond, MN

Melrose, MN

Collegeville, MN

St. Martin, MN

Saint Martin, MN

Saint Rosa, MN

New Munich, MN

Holdingford, MN

Freeport, MN

Avon, MN