Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Merrifield, MN

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal
Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

16 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Merrifield

Minutes Away, Test Today

523 N 3rd St7.64 miles

523 N 3rd St
Brainerd, MN 56401

219 S 4th St7.95 miles

219 S 4th St
Brainerd, MN 56401

415 S 6th St8.07 miles

415 S 6th St
Brainerd, MN 56401

13971 Kenwood Dr9.40 miles

13971 Kenwood Dr
Baxter, MN 56425

2024 S 6th St9.42 miles

2024 S 6th St
Brainerd, MN 56401

100 Buffalo Hills Ln E9.76 miles

100 Buffalo Hills Ln E
Brainerd, MN 56401

653 Pillsbury St N Ste 117.43 miles

653 Pillsbury St N Ste 1
Pillager, MN 56473

300 Bunker Hill Dr23.56 miles

300 Bunker Hill Dr
Aitkin, MN 56431

49725 County 8328.46 miles

49725 County 83
Staples, MN 56479

1233 Highway 10 S30.13 miles

1233 Highway 10 S
Motley, MN 56466

121 1st St Ne35.25 miles

121 1st St Ne
Little Falls, MN 56345

815 2nd St Se35.89 miles

815 2nd St Se
Little Falls, MN 56345

415 Jefferson St N45.75 miles

415 Jefferson St N
Wadena, MN 56482

212 Aspen Ave Nw47.96 miles

212 Aspen Ave Nw
Menahga, MN 56464

20 9th St Se Lab48.20 miles

20 9th St Se Lab
Long Prairie, MN 56347

204 9th Ave Ne49.57 miles

204 9th Ave Ne
Rice, MN 56367

Employment, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Merrifield, MN. Specializing in both drug and alcohol hair tests, our centers are accessible nationwide to handle your needs. At least 1.5 to 2 inches of hair length is typically required, typically from the crown or body. Our hair analysis can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for specific testing preferences.

In recent years, the inclination towards hair follicle drug testing has increased significantly. Employers, judiciary systems, and substance abuse counselors often opt for hair tests over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests benefit those enforcing strict no-drug policies, varying from workplaces to the justice system. They boast a broader detection window of up to 90 days, are collected under supervision, and are virtually tamper-proof.

What it is, How it works

The recognition of hair testing as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol usage has grown. Hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fiber structure of the hair as it grows. By collecting hair near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period for alcohol and drugs extending to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional panels beyond 10, it's advised to collect 150mg of hair. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to all other hair variants (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the phase where samples are logged into the laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary test for potential drug abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, any positive result in the Screening phase requires confirmation for legal acceptance. All presumptively positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair, present at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the most complex procedures.

Verification of positive screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection span: Hair drug testing can identify drug use up to 90 days past, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection interval.
  • High resistance to deception: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, making results more trustworthy.
  • Historical usage patterns: It can reveal patterns of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

  • Lack of recent use detection: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
  • Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly compared to other methods.
  • Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual growth rates can affect drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, yet it is the hair strand itself that's analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair versus urine tests in Merrifield, MN, hair testing demonstrates superior detection capabilities. Urine tests might detect recent usage, but hair testing’s precision offers a more comprehensive analysis.

Employing hair follicle tests over urine provides a broader substance history overview, minimizing risks of erroneous outcomes and improving the reliability of the assessment.

Extended Detection Window

In Merrifield, MN, the expansive detection range of hair follicle testing extends up to 90 days, allowing employers a more extensive understanding of an individual's drug history.

Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis provides a significant historical account of substance use, offering deeper insights into an applicant’s substance intake over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Merrifield, MN, significantly curtail the potential for tampering, safeguarding the integrity of the results.

This testing method’s resistance to adulteration ensures that employers receive trustworthy and unchallengeable data concerning substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our widespread network of testing facilities, including those in Merrifield, MN, guarantees a streamlined and accessible experience for clients seeking drug testing services.

The availability of both national and local testing sites maximizes convenience, minimizing delays and simplifying the process for all parties involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

The streamlined and confidential framework for hair follicle testing in Merrifield, MN, guarantees user privacy and simplicity from ordering to results retrieval.

Our process respects privacy concerns, ensuring a hassle-free and discreet experience for all clients throughout the entire testing cycle.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Merrifield, MN offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing services, ensuring affordability while maintaining quality and fast turnaround times.

Our cost-effective solutions provide peace of mind, accommodating businesses of various sizes without compromising on quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Merrifield, MN, hair follicle testing delivers rapid, consistent, and precise results. Its sophisticated methodology ensures unparalleled accuracy, offering reliable data on various substances.

The advanced techniques employed in hair testing provide dependable results quickly, giving users clarity and confidence in the data procured.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

With hair follicle testing in Merrifield, MN, employers can ensure adherence to strict drug-free workplace protocols, thereby promoting a safer and more compliant work environment.

The implementation of hair testing mitigates legal risks and fosters a culture of safety and accountability in the workplace.

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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Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

Customer Reviews

Sweet and helpful

Trish was amazing and got me through the sytem very fast and swift. I had a hard time hearing her a couple of times, but she was super sweet and helpful throughout the process. Highly recommend her!

Sophia Schutze - 6/19/2024

Quick, knowledgeable and courteous

Quick, knowledgeable and courteous Janelle worked diligently to support me. I am recommending their services to anyone looking.

Greensboro Joseph - 11/19/2024

Very Fun and Easy

Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.

Tom O - 12/19/2024


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