Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Eagle Bend, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance use by enclosing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and substances. It's easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred quantity for screening and analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. Regarding head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

Laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the lab's system. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finishing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary inspection for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug screening is one of the most complex methodologies.

Confirmed positive screening results use GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests detect substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection span.
• Hard to tamper with: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Supplies historical insight: It provides usage patterns over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than alternative testing methods.
• Inconsistent outcomes: Hair characteristics like color and personal variations in growth can alter drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, but the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Eagle Bend, MN

In comparing hair testing to traditional urine analysis, the former emerges as superior.

• Hair tests boast a longer detection window of up to 90 days.
• They provide greater accuracy and reliability.
• Unlike urine tests, hair analysis is practically tamper-proof.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Eagle Bend, MN

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use over a lengthy period of up to 90 days.

• Employers gain insight into an individual's substance history.
• A comprehensive understanding assists in evaluating potential hires or current employees.
• Choose hair testing for a thorough assessment of drug use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Eagle Bend, MN

Hair follicle tests are specially designed to mitigate sample tampering risks, producing reliable results.

• The collection process is observed, further ensuring validity.
• Unlike urine tests, hair analysis is far less susceptible to adulteration.
• This brings peace of mind in maintaining the integrity of the test outcome.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Eagle Bend, MN

Our network of testing facilities spans nationwide, simplifying access and ensuring a convenient visit.

• Testing services are quick and hassle-free.
• Centers are easily accessible from any location.
• Eagle Bend residents benefit from both local and national reach.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Eagle Bend, MN

The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and respects privacy.

• Ordering is simple and discreet.
• Testing maintains confidentiality.
• Results are delivered with assured privacy standards.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Eagle Bend, MN

Our services offer competitive pricing paired with fast turnaround times, delivering exceptional value.

• Affordable pricing structures ensure wide accessibility.
• Quick results support timely decision-making.
• Suitable for companies of all sizes looking for efficient testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Eagle Bend, MN

Hair follicle drug tests in Eagle Bend are renowned for their precision and speed.

• They offer high accuracy in detecting substance use.
• Results are delivered swiftly, ensuring timely decision-making.
• The method's reliability is unmatched in the industry.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eagle Bend, MN

Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies and significantly reduces legal exposure.

• It enhances workplace safety.
• Ensures legal compliance with strict drug policies.
• Provides employers with the assurance they need.

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