Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Eagan, MN

What it is, How it works

The use of hair tests is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in the hair shaft as it grows. Hair sampled near the scalp can offer a detection timeline of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A sample consisting of a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair not be available, an equal quantity of body hair might be utilised. When mentioning head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair refers to any other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the stage where samples are first processed into the lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample is properly sealed and delivered, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug use. While Screening is an economical approach to dismiss most drug use cases, a positive screening necessitates validation for legal acceptance. Any samples testing positive during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.

In the event of a presumptive positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction process. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at a far lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably complex to execute.

The Confirmation stage for any positive screenings is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing when needed. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and adheres to the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a more limited detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is notably challenging to deceive a hair drug test, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides historical data: It can illustrate a drug usage trend over time, beyond immediate consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair within approximately 5-7 days.
• Cost: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Variations in results: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth variations might influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Eagan, MN, offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests by detecting substances for up to 90 days. This extended window uncovers long-term drug use that urine tests miss, ensuring thorough assessments.

While urine tests only capture recent usage, hair testing provides a broader picture, identifying recurring patterns that might go unnoticed otherwise. This enhances the confidence in evaluations for employers and professionals.

Moreover, hair tests are less invasive, reducing the discomfort associated with urine sampling. The higher accuracy in detecting drugs makes hair testing the preferred choice for reliable substance analysis.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Eagan, MN, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection period, covering up to 90 days of drug history. This comprehensive view uncovers patterns that might elude shorter window tests.

The ability to trace back months offers a reliable assessment of an individual's drug habits, aiding in informed hiring and monitoring decisions that support workplace safety and integrity.

This broader detection window is valuable for identifying consistent drug use rather than isolated incidents, fostering a deeper understanding of an employee's behavioral norms over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Eagan, MN, significantly mitigate risks of sample tampering. The robust testing method ensures the integrity of samples, providing reliable results that withstand scrutiny.

By nature, hair samples are more challenging to adulterate compared to more accessible urine samples. This renders hair testing nearly cheat-proof, securing the authenticity of results consistently.

Such unwavering reliability bolsters trust in the findings, enabling stakeholders to utilize the results with confidence, knowing they reflect an accurate substance use history.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Eagan, MN, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network of centers, ensuring accessibility to hair follicle tests nationwide. This widespread availability erases geographical barriers for convenient testing.

Local and national centers offer quick, hassle-free testing services, accommodating the needs of diverse clients efficiently. The approach ensures accessible, fast solutions tailored for various requirements.

With locations available near and far, scheduling tests fits seamlessly into busy schedules, simplifying the logistics of undergoing a drug test while maintaining a streamlined service.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Eagan, MN, for hair follicle testing is both simple and private, reassuring those concerned about confidentiality. Easy order placement and discreet sample collection safeguard user privacy.

The clear steps to procure tests alleviate unnecessary confusion, allowing users to focus on accurate results rather than the procedure, making it straightforward for all participants.

Swift receipt of results backs up the streamlined process, keeping all aspects of the test from request to conclusion confidential and effective, satisfying organizational and individual privacy standards.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing options and fast processing times define hair follicle testing in Eagan, MN, ensuring affordability and timely results for businesses of all sizes.

By maintaining reasonable costs, hair testing becomes accessible to a wider range of clients, providing invaluable insights while remaining a cost-effective choice.

The swift turnaround boosts the service's value, merging quality with affordability. Employers gain rapid insights into substance use without straining their budgets, delivering peace of mind seamlessly.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Eagan, MN, hair follicle drug tests stand out with their precision and speed, ensuring accurate detection of substances. The robust analysis process captures drug use effectively, providing dependable results that stakeholders can trust.

The accuracy of hair testing enables a clear glimpse into a person's substance history, surpassing the limitations of traditional methods. This reliability allows for confident decision-making in various settings.

By harnessing advanced technology, hair follicle tests deliver swift results, eliminating long waits and granting timely insights. This combination of speed and accuracy makes them an ideal choice for comprehensive drug testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Eagan, MN, gain peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing to adhere to drug-free work policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing on-the-job safety.

Hair testing aligns with compliance standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties. This strategic approach supports a secure workplace environment through efficient drug screening methods.

Confidence in maintaining a drug-free workplace extends beyond policy adherence, promoting business integrity and reputational strength, rooted in reliable testing methodologies.

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