Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dover, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair strands capture a history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only, while body hair includes all other types (like facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming the sample's seal and proper shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening acts as a preliminary check for the presence of drugs. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use for many samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate another confirmation stage.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any samples identified as presumptively positive are washed before confirmation, if needed. The entire process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is accredited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use over a 90-day period, which is longer than urine tests.
• Resistant to falsification: Cheating a hair drug test is quite challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical usage data: This method reveals a pattern of drug use over time, rather than only recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent drug use: Detecting drugs in hair requires 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Dover, MN, hair follicle testing clearly surpasses urine testing in several aspects. Hair tests provide a superior detection accuracy over urine tests, especially with their ability to detect a wider range of substances. The reliability of hair testing is unparalleled, making it the preferred choice for many applications.

The benefits of hair testing over urine tests include a much longer detection window, allowing employers and institutions to gain insight into drug use over a more extended period. Unlike urine tests, which only detect recent usage, hair tests offer a comprehensive view.

Extended Detection Window

One of the remarkable advantages of hair follicle testing in Dover, MN, is its extended detection period. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing can uncover drug use over up to 90 days, providing a more complete picture of an individual's substance use history.

This extended window is particularly valuable for employers seeking to evaluate potential hires or examine current employees' long-term behavior. Hair testing offers a robust method to gauge prolonged substance abstinence or exposure, enhancing informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Dover, MN, offers a noteworthy advantage in terms of tamper resistance. This method significantly lowers the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are both reliable and difficult to falsify.

Compared to more traditional methods, hair testing minimizes the risk of tampering due to its inherent design and collection process. This assurance of integrity makes hair tests a preferred choice for those valuing unquestionable results in their assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides a network of nationwide testing centers, ensuring convenience for individuals in Dover, MN. Our centers facilitate quick and hassle-free hair follicle drug testing, accessible to everyone regardless of location.

Local and national presence in testing locations allows us to deliver services promptly and efficiently. The convenience of these centers makes hair testing a straightforward process, offering flexibility and ease of access to all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

At Accredited Drug Testing in Dover, MN, we prioritize a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. Our streamlined steps ensure ease of ordering, testing, and receiving results, addressing all privacy concerns.

This user-friendly approach reassures clients about the safety of their personal data. By providing a discrete testing process, we uphold a high level of confidentiality, which is vital for a trustworthy testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing stands out in Dover, MN, with its affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structure ensures that companies of all sizes receive excellent value for their investment in testing services.

The rapid return of results does not compromise accuracy, providing businesses with fast and reliable data. This cost-efficiency and speed make our service an attractive option for companies looking to ensure workplace safety without excessive expenses.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Dover, MN, are remarkable. These tests provide fast, reliable results with an exceptional ability to detect substance usage. Their precision is unparalleled when compared to traditional methods, offering quick turnaround times without compromising the integrity of the results.

Hair follicle testing stands out due to its high accuracy. This method minimizes false positives and ensures that the results accurately reflect the individual's substance usage history. For employers needing prompt and dependable information, hair testing presents a robust solution.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Dover, MN, hair follicle testing offers essential compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in maintaining a drug-free environment, contributing to enhanced safety and reduced legal liabilities.

Implementing hair testing within workplace protocols brings employers peace of mind, knowing they are adhering to stringent policies. It promotes not only legality but also enhances the overall safety and productivity of the workplace.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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