Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Finlayson, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting substance and alcohol use. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. A sample taken near the scalp can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches from the scalp, containing approximately 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg, an optimal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to obtain 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test laboratory procedure is comprised of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial entry of a sample into the lab's system, which entails checking the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug use in most cases, any positive screening must be corroborated for legal acceptability. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further verification.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is a complex methodology.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed to confirm any positive screening results. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection window of urine tests.
• Challenging to deceive: Hair drug tests are difficult to manipulate, ensuring greater result accuracy.
• Historical usage data: They can show a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent drug use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are more costly than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Finlayson, MN

• Hair testing delivers superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests.
• Employers benefit from its reliability, ensuring zero-tolerance policies are upheld effectively.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Finlayson, MN

• With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests provide a thorough overview of substance use.
• This allows employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Finlayson, MN

• The rigid integrity of hair follicle tests minimizes sample tampering.
• This test method guarantees trustworthy results, safeguarding against alterations.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Finlayson, MN

• Testing centers across the nation make hair follicle testing accessible and convenient.
• Local centers in Finlayson provide quick, efficient testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Finlayson, MN

• Ordering and taking hair tests in Finlayson is straightforward and secure.
• Confidentiality is maintained from ordering through to receiving results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Finlayson, MN

• Competitive pricing structures ensure businesses get excellent value.
• Quick turnaround times deliver results promptly, supporting prompt decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Finlayson, MN

• The hair follicle drug tests in Finlayson provide swift results, ensuring timely assessments for employers.
• These tests boast a high accuracy rate, identifying substance use with precision.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Finlayson, MN

• Hair follicle testing ensures workplace compliance with drug-free policies.
• This robust testing method supports safety and reduces legal risks for employers.

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