Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bigfork, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying both drug and alcohol consumption. The strands naturally embed biomarkers, capturing a historical record of substance use within their fibers as they grow. If taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug presence for a period of up to nearly three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is not easy, and transportation is convenient.

When obtaining a 1.5-inch segment from around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, this yields about 100mg of hair—suitable for both screening and confirmation tests. For extended tests like EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. It’s best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair is a viable alternative. Note that "head hair" strictly pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

Four key stages define the lab process for a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning initiates the sample’s introduction into the lab system. It entails ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data collection absent from the electronic chain of custody records.

Screening then provides a swift assessment for potential drug abuse. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most cases, a favorable screen must undergo confirmation before it is legally tenable. Samples testing positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Any Screening-identified positive samples prompt further hair extraction from the original batch for Extraction. This technique retrieves drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other test methods (like urine or oral fluid), declaring hair drug testing particularly intricate.

Confirmation of favorable screening outcomes utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples requiring confirmation undergo prior cleaning as necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug evaluations capture drug use over a span of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with briefer detection periods.
• High test integrity: Due to its sophistication, hair drug testing greatly minimizes the possibility of test manipulation.
• Insight into use history: This analysis offers a behavioral pattern of substance use over time, beyond just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Unable to assess recent intake: It generally requires around 5-7 days before substances manifest in hair.
• Expense: Relative to other drug detection approaches, hair tests tend to incur higher charges.
• Result discrepancies: Variances such as hair color and individual hair growth patterns might impact the drug metabolite levels present in hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing emerges as a superior method in Bigfork, MN, when compared to urine tests. The method's efficiency is marked by impressive detection accuracy, providing more reliable results.

Unlike traditional methods, hair follicle testing can uncover drug use history within a 90-day period, allowing employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of a person's substance use.

Moreover, its deterrence against test manipulation makes it a preferred choice.

Extended Detection Window

With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Bigfork, MN, offers unparalleled insight into an individual's drug use history.

This extended period allows employers to make informed decisions based on a broader spectrum of data.

The expansive detection duration ensures a thorough understanding, providing a complete picture of substance use which urine tests fail to match.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Bigfork, MN, presents a formidable defense against sample tampering.

The method's inherent design makes it practically immune to adulteration attempts, reinforcing the integrity of results.

Testing is conducted under observed conditions, making it highly reliable and trustworthy. Such robust features ensure test outcomes remain unchallenged and credible.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Bigfork, MN residents enjoy the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's widespread networks.

Our extensive nation-wide presence ensures easy and quick access to testing services, minimizing hassle for users.

With locations spread nationally, including local centers, rapid and efficient testing is always within reach for clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Bigfork, MN, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, giving users peace of mind.

The procedure—from ordering to receiving results—is designed to safeguard privacy and ensure ease of use.

Clients can confidently navigate our seamless, discreet testing protocol, ensuring confidentiality at every step.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Organizations in Bigfork, MN, benefit from Accredited Drug Testing's competitive pricing for hair follicle tests.

Our affordable rates do not compromise on speed, providing fast turnaround times for results.

Businesses, regardless of size, can leverage these cost-effective solutions for dependable drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Bigfork, MN, lies in their precise and swift outcomes. These tests boast an exceptional level of precision, adept at detecting the presence of substances accurately.

In leveraging modern technology, our hair testing offers rapid processing times, ensuring minimal wait for results while maintaining high standards of reliability and accuracy.

Hair follicle tests provide quicker, dependable insights, crucial for timely decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

The adoption of hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug policies in Bigfork, MN, offering employers reassurance and peace of mind.

By employing reliable testing, companies minimize legal liabilities and enhance overall safety.

This method consistently aligns with strict guidelines, fostering a drug-free environment and safeguarding company standards.

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