Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Saint Nicholas, MN

What it is, How it works

The analysis of hair has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over an approximately 3-month period. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For tests such as EtG, or those exceeding 10 panels, a recommended 150mg should be obtained. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory steps for processing drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample enters a lab's system. It involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not handled by an electronic custody chain.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though cost-effective for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for judicial validity. Samples testing positive initially require additional confirmation.

Should the Screening indicate potential positivity, more hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drug traces are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to tests like urine or saliva, highlighting hair testing's complexity.

Confirming any positive outcomes from Screening involves methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair tests can trace drug use for nearly 90 days, offering a longer timeline than urine tests.
• Difficulty to cheat: The integrity of hair drug tests is notably high, reducing the chance of tampering.
• Provides historical data: They reveal patterns of drug consumption over time, rather than just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection in hair requires about 5-7 days post-use.
• Cost: Hair tests are typically more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Variations in results: Hair color and individual growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often misused, as the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Nicholas, MN

• Hair testing provides a more extended detection time, identifying drug use from months prior.
• The testing process is directly observed, reducing the risk of substitution or dilution efforts.
• This high reliability and accuracy surpass that of traditional urine tests, demonstrating its superiority.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Saint Nicholas, MN

• Hair follicle testing boasts an unparalleled detection period, capturing up to 90 days of substance usage history.
• Employers gain a thorough understanding of a candidate's or employee's long-term drug use patterns.
• This extended window is vital for making informed decisions regarding hiring and ongoing employment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint Nicholas, MN

• Hair follicle tests inherently resist tampering, significantly reducing sample adulteration risk.
• They provide incontrovertible results, making them trustworthy for courts and workplaces alike.
• This resistance ensures that the results remain consistent and factual, offering peace of mind.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saint Nicholas, MN

• We provide widespread accessibility with our numerous nationwide testing centers.
• This convenience ensures that tests can be conducted easily, quickly, and without undue hassle.
• Local testing access in Saint Nicholas means minimal disruption to your daily schedule.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Nicholas, MN

• Ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is straightforward and discreet.
• The process respects your privacy while ensuring ease of use and minimal stress.
• Confidentiality and simplicity are prioritized at every step of the drug testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Nicholas, MN

• Our competitive pricing provides excellent value without compromising on quality or accuracy.
• Quick turnaround times ensure timely results, aiding decision-making processes.
• Businesses of all sizes benefit from the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of our services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Nicholas, MN

• Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed, ensuring results are both swift and dependable.
• Their high accuracy makes them a preferred choice for detecting substance use, providing peace of mind.
• Using this method alleviates concerns of false negatives or tampered samples, offering reliable confirmation.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Nicholas, MN

• Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies.
• This approach reduces potential legal risks and reinforces workplace safety and health.
• Employers can rest assured knowing they've taken proactive steps toward a safer environment.

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