Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Little Falls, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair examination is increasingly recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-standing record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reflect up to an approximate 3-month span of alcohol and drug exposure. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to other hair varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process confirms the sample was sealed and transmitted correctly, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. Though Screening is an economical means to discard drug use in most samples, a positive indication necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening do need subsequent confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which detect a shorter period.
• Harder to tamper with: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Shows historical consumption: It illustrates a pattern of drug usage over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: It requires around 5-7 days before drugs become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than other drug testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis specifically examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Little Falls, MN outperforms urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its ability to reveal a longer drug use history makes it a preferred choice.

Urine tests, while common, lack the extensive timeframe for detection that hair tests provide. Employers find hair testing more reliable for thorough insights.

Extended Detection Window

With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Little Falls, MN gives employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history.

The ability to trace drug use over such a long period makes hair follicle tests advantageous for assessing long-term substance behaviors in Little Falls.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Little Falls, MN, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests assures high integrity, minimizing risks of sample adulteration effectively.

When accuracy and reliability are paramount, hair tests provide unquestionable results, showcasing their robustness against manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Little Falls, MN benefits from conveniently located testing centers, part of a nationwide network offering quick and easy access to essential testing services.

Our facilities ensure hassle-free access, making it simple for individuals and businesses in Little Falls to undergo testing without delays.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Little Falls, MN is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns thoroughly.

Ordering a test, undertaking the procedure, and receiving results is streamlined, ensuring ease of use for all clients in Little Falls.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing in Little Falls, MN provides great value to companies of all sizes with fast and efficient turnaround times.

Our cost-effective and prompt service options reinforce peace of mind for employers, ensuring budget-friendly and reliable options.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Little Falls, MN, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. Precision is key in detecting substance use, allowing for confident decision-making.

The speed of getting results in hair follicle testing sets it apart—swift processing ensures timelines are respected without compromising on accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

By employing hair follicle testing in Little Falls, MN, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free policies, fostering workplace safety and reducing potential legal risks.

Using hair testing provides peace of mind, assisting companies in maintaining compliance and upholding a safe working environment.

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