Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cokato, MN

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair analysis has become recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a lengthy timeline of alcohol and drug activity by capturing biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When harvested near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A hair segment measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest assessing the weight of the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair covers other hair types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample entering a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional details not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is the initial swift assessment for drug presence. While it effectively indicates the absence of substances in most samples, a positive result in Screening needs substantiation before it can be legally acknowledged. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening must be verified through a secondary confirmation.

When a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial collection for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at much lower levels than found in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging procedures.

Confirmation of any positive result in Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples showing presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation gets reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug analysis can spot drug usage for up to three months, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: The results of a hair drug test are more dependable due to the difficulty involved in tampering.
• Delivers historical insight: This method provides a pattern of drug usage over months, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: It typically requires 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expensive: Hair drug testing tends to cost more than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Hair characteristics like color and differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing presents a significant advantage over traditional urine testing in Cokato, MN. Besides its superior detection accuracy, hair tests provide a more reliable assessment of past substance use. Employers favor it due to its ability to uncover drug use patterns over an extended period, giving a clearer view of an individual's history.

Extended Detection Window

In Cokato, MN, hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, this testing method offers employers a comprehensive understanding of one's substance use history. It offers employers a chance to make informed decisions about current or potential employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Cokato, MN, makes them a reliable choice. This testing method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and difficult to manipulate, thereby providing a higher level of confidence in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous convenient testing locations throughout Cokato, MN, and nationwide, accessing our hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. The widespread availability of our centers ensures that both employers and individuals can easily find a nearby facility for quick and efficient testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Cokato, MN, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. This focus addresses potential concerns, allowing individuals and employers to engage in the testing process with confidence.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround times in Cokato, MN, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. This competitive pricing strategy, paired with efficient processing, ensures that businesses can maintain budget-friendly testing without sacrificing quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Cokato, MN, is known for its fast and reliable results. This testing method ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing confidence to employers and individuals alike. Results are often available within a short time frame, ensuring prompt decision-making based on clear and precise outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Cokato, MN, utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies and offers peace of mind. This stringent testing mechanism reduces legal risks and helps maintain workplace safety, reinforcing the importance of a secure and productive work environment.

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