Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lincoln, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records drug and alcohol intake over time by incorporating biomarkers into its growing strands. Sampling hair near the scalp can offer up to a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drug presence. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch specimen comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for analysis and authentication. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The sequence of steps in the lab processing of a drug test result encompasses Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the lab system, ensuring that it’s sealed and shipped correctly, attaching a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug use. While it is a cost-efficient method for negating drug involvement in most samples, a positive result requires further verification for judicial acceptance. Any samples that show a preliminary positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

In cases of a preliminary positive result in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves the isolation of drugs from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), explaining why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.

Any positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory processing sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: It’s quite challenging to alter a hair drug test result, enhancing reliability.
• Provides usage history: It offers a pattern of drug use over time, unlike methods detecting only recent use.

Limitations:

• Lack of recent use detection: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be visible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lincoln, MN

When comparing hair and urine testing, the former clearly provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing can identify drug use over an extended period, which is crucial for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies. Moreover, hair tests minimize the risk of tampering, making them a trusted choice for a rigorous drug-free workplace policy.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Lincoln, MN

Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance use history. This extended timeline is invaluable for decision-makers in assessing long-term behavioral patterns, helping ensure a safer and more consistent work environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lincoln, MN

Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chance of sample adulteration, offering reliable results that stand up to scrutiny. Unlike urine tests, which can be more easily manipulated, hair tests provide a robust method of screening, delivering peace of mind through unquestionable outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lincoln, MN

Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that you can access our services swiftly and conveniently, no matter where you are. Whether in Lincoln or elsewhere, enjoy hassle-free test center access that prioritizes your schedule and needs, making drug testing a seamless part of your routines.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Lincoln, MN

Navigating the drug-testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step respects privacy, addressing any concerns with utmost care. The straightforward approach guarantees that individuals and companies get precise data without complications, ensuring a discreet and private screening experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lincoln, MN

We provide competitive pricing models alongside swift turnaround times to ensure value. Our efficient procedures allow companies of all sizes to benefit from our services without exceeding budgetary confines, guaranteeing cost-effectiveness and rapid service, essential for prompt human resources decisions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lincoln, MN

Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed in detecting substance use. Unlike traditional methods, these tests offer high accuracy, providing fast results without compromising reliability. This technology ensures quick confirmation of an individual's drug use history, crucial for timely decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lincoln, MN

Employers who utilize hair follicle testing can ensure compliance with strict workplace drug-free policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety, fostering an environment of transparency and integrity. It's an essential tool for maintaining high standards and mitigating potential liabilities.

Drug Testing Near Lincoln, MN

Long Prairie, MN

Baxter, MN

Eagle Bend, MN

East Gull Lake, MN

Flensburg, MN

Aldrich, MN

Clarissa, MN

Browerville, MN

Fort Ripley, MN

Staples, MN

Pillager, MN

Randall, MN

Motley, MN

Cushing, MN

Philbrook, MN

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews