Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Cedar Mills, Minnesota. For individuals needing a hair-based test for drugs or alcohol, we specialize in such testing with centers available nationwide capable of performing these tests. It's necessary to have 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, either from the crown or from the body, for analysis. Our tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or provide tailored hair testing options.
In recent years, drug testing procedures have increasingly incorporated hair follicle drug tests. Many employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse counselors are opting for hair testing over the traditional urine test. Hair follicle tests are utilized by zero-tolerance employers, courts, and probationary programs. Their main advantage is the extended detection period, up to 90 days, collected under observation, making them hard to tamper with. However, for detecting usage within a 5-day window, urine tests continue to offer the greatest accuracy.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of these substances by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can indicate drug and alcohol use over approximately three months. Hair collection is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 strands nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests greater than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is missing, equivalent body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the laboratory system. This procedure includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any non-electronic chain of custody data entry.
Screening is an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in many samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples deemed presumptive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples that test presumptive during screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This process isolates drugs from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirming a positive result in screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these assessments evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cedar Mills, MN
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection capabilities and reliability have made it a preferred choice. The extended detection window and observation during collection minimize the chances of cheating, providing more dependable results. When longer histories of substance use are needed, hair tests prove invaluable.
Extended Detection Window in Cedar Mills, MN
Employers gain a fuller picture of an individual's substance history with hair follicle tests, which can detect drug use over a period extending to 90 days. This comprehensive insight aids in evaluating a candidate's or employee's lifestyle choices better than short-term testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cedar Mills, MN
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. They limit opportunities for sample adulteration far more than traditional urine tests. This test offers credible and consistent results, giving users confidence in their accuracy and reducing questions around sample integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cedar Mills, MN
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures that testing services are accessible and hassle-free. With locations readily available, individuals and organizations can expedite the testing process, enjoying a seamless and efficient experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cedar Mills, MN
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and private. Concerns regarding confidentiality are effortlessly addressed, offering a user-friendly approach that respects the privacy of all parties involved throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cedar Mills, MN
Competitive pricing and rapid result delivery highlight the value of our hair follicle testing services. Companies can benefit from our cost-effective solutions and swift turnaround, ensuring timely access to critical information without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cedar Mills, MN
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision. This testing method is highly effective in identifying substance use, offering results that are not only fast but also exceptionally precise. This ensures an accurate assessment for employers or individuals, ensuring informed decisions are made with reliable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cedar Mills, MN
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method lowers legal risks and bolsters safety within work environments. Companies can rest assured knowing they are upholding industry standards effectively and reinforcing healthy practices.