Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug examinations in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Whether it's for hair drug or alcohol analysis, our specialty lies in hair testing, and our centers span nationwide, ready to administer hair tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body can be used. Hair tests are suitable for drug, alcohol/ETG analyses, or other bespoke testing.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become a more prevalent method for drug screening. Employers, judicial bodies, and substance abuse experts often opt for hair testing over conventional urine tests. This test is favored by zero-tolerance employers, courts, and probationary individuals. The principal advantage is the longer detection frame, up to 90 days, gathered under observation, and it's almost impervious to manipulation. However, for drug use detection within five days, urine tests retain superior precision.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains extended records of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing strands. If collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is ideal. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any additional data requirements absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Mendota Heights, MN, hair follicle tests offer numerous advantages over urine tests, chiefly in detection scope and reliability. Hair testing outperforms traditional methods by identifying drug use over extended periods with greater precision, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance usage history.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle tests in Mendota Heights, MN, are unparalleled in their ability to detect drug usage over long durations, up to 90 days. This extended detection window ensures employers gain a fuller picture of an applicant or employee's substance history, promoting informed decision-making regarding hiring and ongoing employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Mendota Heights, MN, hair follicle tests are designed to significantly mitigate the risk of tampering or adulteration. Their robust procedures ensure the integrity of results, providing employers with reliable and definitive outcomes, thereby upholding workplace standards and safety.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Mendota Heights, MN, is served by a network of testing centers across the nation, ensuring hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services. This convenience allows entities to benefit from quick, reliable testing without logistical difficulties.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Mendota Heights, MN, is straightforward and private. By addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use, individuals and organizations can engage with the process confidently and securely.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Mendota Heights, MN, hair follicle drug tests provide businesses of all sizes with excellent value. This affordability, paired with efficient service, ensures peace of mind and supports corporate budgets effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Mendota Heights, MN, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched speed and precision. By providing reliable, rapid outcomes, they ensure detection of substance use with a high degree of accuracy. This advanced testing method is pivotal for contexts requiring both fast and trustworthy results, helping maintain safety and efficiency in the workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Mendota Heights, MN, aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal exposures and enhances safety, providing peace of mind and a stronger commitment to a secure workplace environment.