Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fosston, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair samples are collected near the scalp, they can detect alcohol and drugs for up to nearly three months. Hair is easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness, when taken closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair is acceptable. 'Head hair' specifically means scalp hair; in contrast, 'body hair' includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in processing a drug test result in the lab consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial brief analysis for illicit drugs. Although Screening is cost-efficient for dismissing drug intake in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample yields presumptively positive results during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. This stage extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging process.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleansed before Confirmation as needed. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation follows CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection window: Hair drug tests can trace drug usage for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited timeframe.
• Cheating challenges: Cheating on a hair drug test is highly improbable, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Historical insight: Offers a timeline of drug use over time, rather than just recent intake.

Limitations:

• Lacks detection of recent use: It typically takes drugs about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing procedures.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair pigment and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

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

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine methods in Fosston, MN, the former offers undeniable advantages. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy, capable of identifying substance use patterns that urine tests might miss. Moreover, hair samples can't be easily substituted or tampered with, providing a clear edge in reliability and consistency of results.

Extended Detection Window

The unrivaled detection window of hair follicle testing in Fosston, MN is a major benefit for employers. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can reveal drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive tracking capability provides a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, critical for informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Fosston, MN stands out as a tamper-resistant method that minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration. This testing process assures employers of reliable and uncontaminated results, as the collection process is carefully monitored to prevent any manual interference or swapping of samples.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing with nationwide locations including local sites in Fosston, MN. This broad network allows clients to use our services quickly and easily, minimizing hassle and ensuring tests can be conducted promptly, no matter their location, for maximum accessibility.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our hassle-free process in Fosston, MN offers clients a simple and confidential experience. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is streamlined, addressing any privacy concerns. Our approach guarantees ease and discretion, making the testing experience straightforward and comfortable for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Fosston, MN, we are committed to offering affordable pricing for hair follicle tests without compromising speed. Our competitive rates, paired with fast turnaround times, provide businesses excellent value, ensuring testing solutions that are economical while maintaining high standards of result reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

At our Fosston, MN facility, hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and timely results. With the capability to detect a wide range of substances accurately, our testing method ensures that employers receive the most reliable data. The process guarantees not only high accuracy but also a quick turnaround, an essential factor for timely decision-making in workplaces.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For businesses in Fosston, MN, adopting hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal liabilities. This testing method not only reinforces a safe workplace environment but also fosters peace of mind, knowing the risks of unchecked substance abuse are effectively mitigated.

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