Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Montevideo, MN

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term history by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair provides up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 strands of hair (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis. For EtG add-ons and/or panels over 10, 150mg is advised. It's advisable to weigh the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is entered into the lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data entry needed outside of an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial scan for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court acceptance. Any samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample return a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations than in other testing methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.

Positive screening confirmations are carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed, if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

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 with shorter detection spans.
• Challenging to manipulate: It’s extremely challenging to falsify a hair drug test, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers historical insight: It provides a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of recent detection: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing options.
• Result variation: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing testing methods, hair follicle testing provides superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests in Montevideo, MN. Hair testing offers an extended detection capability, accurately identifying substances over a longer timeframe. This robust detection period enhances reliability for organizations implementing stringent drug policies.

Additionally, hair tests address the challenges associated with urine tests, such as sample tampering and limited detection windows. This advancement makes hair testing an ideal choice for companies aiming for secure and precise screening.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing stands out in Montevideo, MN for its extended detection window, identifying drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This longer timeframe equips employers with a broader perspective when evaluating an applicant's or employee's substance history, crucial for making informed hiring decisions.

The 90-day detection window provides a comprehensive look into an individual's drug usage, surpassing the short detection period of urine tests. By offering an in-depth analysis, employers gain insights into patterns of substance use that aid in understanding long-term behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Montevideo, MN offers a significant advantage with its tamper-resistant nature. This testing method greatly reduces the potential for sample adulteration, thereby guaranteeing reliable and indisputable results that organizations can trust.

Employers benefit from hair testing as the method provides a robust mechanism against cheating, compared to urine tests which are more vulnerable to manipulation. The secured process ensures that results truly reflect an individual's substance use history.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Montevideo, MN benefits from the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide testing centers. Offering quick, easy, and stress-free access to services, these locations ensure that individuals and businesses can conduct necessary testing without any logistical challenges, thus enhancing overall service accessibility.

The array of testing facilities enables effortless scheduling and testing across multiple sites, promising a smooth process for both local and nationwide clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Montevideo, MN is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking and receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use for all clients concerned with maintaining discretion.

By emphasizing simplicity and confidentiality, we're able to address privacy concerns effectively, ensuring that the testing experience is both user-friendly and respectful of personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Montevideo, MN, our hair follicle drug tests boast affordable pricing and swift turnaround, offering exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Cost-effective packages ensure access to quality testing while meeting financial constraints of businesses.

Coupled with fast processing times, these tests provide peace of mind, allowing organizations to proceed confidently with timely data, reaffirming their valuable investment in employee screening.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Montevideo, MN, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and quick result delivery. Hair tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use, providing reliable data swiftly. This method is exceptional due to its high detection reliability, giving businesses and individuals the confidence in testing outcomes.

These tests boast fast result processing, ensuring efficient testing with minimal waiting, thereby supporting employers in decision-making processes. The accuracy of hair follicle testing helps mitigate errors, equipping companies with dependable results that reflect true substance use, unlike less reliable testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing allows Montevideo, MN employers to ensure strict compliance with workforce drug-free policies. Hair testing reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, granting employers peace of mind. Hair tests align with corporate policies aiming to maintain a safe, productive, and compliant work environment.

Due to their accuracy and extended detection, hair tests are ideal for maintaining regulatory compliance. This method enables organizations to uphold their zero-tolerance policies without compromising on testing reliability.

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