Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Monticello, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers into the strands as they grow. When gathered close to the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of around 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A suitable sample is a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands near the scalp, equating to 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four key stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.

Screening consists of a preliminary quick test for drug abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires a confirmatory test for legal acceptability. Any samples that appear positive during Screening demand further confirmation.

If a sample tests preliminary positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted at minute concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is thoroughly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug usage up to 90 days back, unlike urine tests, which have a more limited detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely challenging, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Reveals historical usage: It can display a drug use pattern over time, not just pinpoint recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: Detection in hair takes around 5-7 days post-drug use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other drug screening procedures.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can affect the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing triumphs over traditional urine testing in Monticello, MN. It offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for employers. Unlike urine tests, hair testing avoids falsification and provides a more comprehensive analysis, leading to genuine assessments of substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Monticello, MN employers benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, covering up to 90 days. This method provides an in-depth view of an individual's drug use history, ensuring that employers make informed decisions regarding the hiring or monitoring of their staff.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Monticello, MN, significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. This method provides reliable and unquestionable results, ensuring that organizations and individuals obtain honest evaluations. Thanks to its design, hair testing minimizes the risk of adulteration, maintaining its integrity at all times.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Monticello, MN, benefits from convenient local and nationwide testing locations. Our numerous centers make accessing hair testing services straightforward, offering a speedy, effortless, and stress-free experience. This widespread availability ensures that all individuals and businesses can participate easily in hair drug assessments.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair drug testing in Monticello, MN, is straightforward and confidential. From order placement to test execution and result reception, each step is designed with privacy and convenience in mind. Clients can trust in a hassle-free experience, ensuring that their personal data remains protected throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, Monticello, MN, enjoys premium value from our hair drug testing services. Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of our budget-friendly options and the quick receipt of results, guaranteeing both efficiency and satisfaction in the testing process.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Monticello, MN, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their quick, accurate, and reliable outcomes. With unmatched precision, hair tests identify substance use effectively, providing results that teams and organizations can trust. This testing method stands out, ensuring that individuals and businesses receive dependable drug use evaluations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Monticello, MN, employers gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies. By opting for this method, legal risks are minimized, and workplace safety is enhanced, leading to a secure and compliant working environment for all staff members.

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