Hair Follicle Drug Testing - International Falls, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the continuously growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch piece of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG add-ons, and/or evaluations over 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. In regard to head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four core stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes checking the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates verification to be valid in court. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the primary specimen for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug evaluation the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, compared to urine tests with a more limited detection period.
• Hard to cheat: It is quite challenging to cheat on a hair drug test, enhancing the reliability of the results.
• Offers historical data: It can highlight a pattern of drug usage over an extended timeframe, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing alternatives.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In International Falls, MN, opting for hair follicle testing over urine analysis offers significant advantages. Hair tests provide superior accuracy in detecting a wider range of substances over an extended timeframe, making the method reliable for verifying long-term drug use. Due to its comprehensive detection capacity, employers gain from a broader understanding of substance history in employees or applicants.

Unlike traditional urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair follicle testing covers up to 90 days of use, allowing for a more thorough evaluation. This comprehensive insight is vital for organizations committed to maintaining strict drug-free environments.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in International Falls, MN offers an unparalleled detection window of up to 90 days. This extensive look-back period surpasses what urine tests can cover, thereby equipping employers with a detailed view of an individual's drug use history. This extended detection helps in making informed choices when assessing potential or current employees’ alignment with company standards.

Hair tests provide an advantage in ongoing substance assessments due to their ability to reveal long-term patterns, unlike urine tests which only detect recent use. This longer timeframe supports the goal of maintaining a healthy and compliant workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle drug testing method in International Falls, MN is designed to reduce the risk of tampering, making the results reliable and indisputable. The natural characteristics of hair samples prevent common adulteration tactics, providing employers with confidence in the test outcomes. This tamper-resistant attribute is a key reason businesses rely heavily on hair tests for verification purposes.

Adulteration methods that typically challenge urine tests are rendered ineffective with hair samples, which aids in preserving result integrity. Thus, hair follicle tests deliver trustworthy reports that support compliance and safety programs efficiently.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing makes accessing testing services convenient through nationwide and local centers in International Falls, MN. Our extensive network ensures individuals can easily find a nearby location, minimizing the hassle and time required for meeting testing requirements. With numerous facilities nationwide, accessing quick and reliable testing services is straightforward.

We prioritize customer convenience by offering an array of testing locations that accommodate the needs of both businesses and individuals, facilitating a seamless testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

In International Falls, MN, our hair follicle testing process is streamlined to ensure simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results are straightforward, safeguarding client privacy. This user-friendly process encourages participation and assures peace of mind for those concerned about discretion and ease of use.

Our commitment to a simple, confidential process facilitates clients in efficiently navigating their testing requirements. Ensuring confidentiality remains a cornerstone of our service, aiding in building trust and assurance.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Operating in International Falls, MN, our hair follicle testing services provide competitive pricing and rapid turnaround. We aim to offer exceptional value to organizations of all sizes, balancing cost-effectiveness with high-quality service delivery. This approach meets businesses' budgetary and timeline constraints efficiently.

Our fast processing and pricing structures support companies in controlling costs while ensuring they receive dependable testing services without delays, ensuring operational and financial benchmarks are met effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In International Falls, MN, hair follicle drug testing is noted for its precision and quick turnaround time. The methodology ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use, making it a preferred choice over other testing forms. Results are produced speedily yet reliably, providing peace of mind that the findings are both prompt and precise. This contributes to improved decision-making for employers and courts alike.

The expedited process of hair follicle testing ensures that results are not only accurate but are also delivered efficiently. This rapid response supports a variety of needs, from workplace assessments to legal requirements, ensuring stakeholders have trusted outcomes at their fingertips.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In International Falls, MN, using hair follicle testing supports compliance and workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, companies reduce legal risks and enhance overall safety. Hair testing ensures strict adherence to standards, helping maintain a balanced and secure environment while keeping regulatory concerns in check.

Employers benefit from the detailed and long-term perspective provided by hair tests, allowing them to bolster safety policies effectively. This ensures that the workforce remains drug-free, supporting both legal compliance and operational efficiency.

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