Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lakeland, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibrous growing structure. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a span of up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, quite resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommended 150mg should be obtained. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair is acceptable. Note that when discussing head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary hair, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory analysis of a drug test consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the sample's admission into the lab’s system, including sample integrity checks regarding sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input beyond what an electronic custody chain provides.

Screening performs an initial rapid detection of illicit substances. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug usage on most samples, a positive screen mandates further confirmation to be accepted in legal contexts. Any presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation step.

For presumptively positive samples from Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and set up for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), supporting the premise that hair drug tests are amongst the most challenging types to conduct.

Analyzing any positive screening results involves methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, potential positive samples undergo washing as needed. The overall laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes assessment under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and follows accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug usage spanning up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a much shorter time frame.
• Challenges in manipulation: The challenge of manipulating hair tests enhances result reliability.
• Tracks patterns of use: It can outline a timeline of drug usage beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Detection of drugs in hair takes approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than alternative testing options.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although sometimes termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Lakeland, MN, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering heightened detection accuracy and reliability.

Its ability to uncover drug use over an extended period gives it an edge over traditional methods.

This testing method provides peace of mind to employers seeking to maintain a drug-free environment.

The robustness and faultless nature of hair tests is unrivaled, ensuring comprehensive screening possibilities.

Extended Detection Window

Lakeland, MN's hair follicle testing captures drug use indicators over 90 days, surpassing alternatives in duration.

It offers employers a thorough insight into an employee's or candidate's drug usage history.

This long detection window promotes informed hiring and monitoring practices, fostering a safer workplace.

Extended detection offers reassurance to those enforcing stringent workplace policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Lakeland, MN, fortify against tampering and fraud, assuring trustworthy results.

This testing method's resistance to manipulation ensures the integrity of sample results.

Employers can be confident in the validity of test outcomes, eliminating doubts over tampering.

The observed collection process limits the chance of adulteration, offering a consistent standard of security.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous nationwide centers, including in Lakeland, MN, testing convenience is paramount.

Our vast network guarantees quick, seamless access to exceptional testing services nationwide.

Local availability reflects our commitment to ease of access and hassle-free testing for all.

Efficient service at every center ensures that tasks are accomplished smoothly, reflecting professionalism.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our drug testing process in Lakeland, MN, ensures simplicity and confidentiality from ordering to results.

Clear steps are provided for a straightforward experience, respecting privacy concerns.

Clients can expect an uncomplicated service, making the process as smooth as possible.

We prioritize discretion, ensuring all procedures are sensitive to users' privacy needs.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Lakeland, MN, competitive pricing meets quick turnaround in our testing services.

Economical rates mean excellent value for businesses of varying sizes, without compromising quality.

Timely results ensure efficient decision-making, critical for fast-paced business environments.

Our pricing and operations aim to deliver peace of mind by aligning cost-effectiveness with swift service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Lakeland, MN promises speed and precision, setting a high bar for accuracy in substance detection.

Its advanced technique ensures enlightening results, with quick and reliable outcomes.

Employers benefit from the assurance provided by this method, making informed decisions with confidence.

The rapid process is designed to keep pace with modern needs while maintaining reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Adopting hair follicle testing in Lakeland, MN, bolsters workplace compliance with drug-free policies.

Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and enhanced workplace safety by using reliable testing methods.

This method reassures employers by aligning with regulatory standards and maintaining a transparent work environment.

Ensuring compliance through such robust testing practices minimizes exposure to potential liabilities.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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