Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Savage, MN

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for identifying substance use. Hair strands preserve a long-term record of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about 90 days for various substances. The collection process is straightforward, the risk of tampering is minimal, and it is convenient for shipping.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands (around the width of a #2 pencil), secured closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Note that 'head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

There are four primary steps in the lab analysis of a drug screening: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the primary intake process into the lab system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody record.

Screening is a preliminary rapid test for potential substance misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to detect drug use in a majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening are subject to additional hair extraction from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, the drugs are isolated at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making it the most complex method to conduct.

Confirmation for any positive results after screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair tests trace substance use for up to 3 months, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter span.
• Complex to manipulate: Manipulating the outcome of a hair drug test is extremely challenging, hence the results are more reliable.
• Displays historical consumption: It reflects drug usage patterns over time, beyond mere recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of recent use detection: Drugs become traceable in hair only after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests often incur higher costs than other methods.
• Result variance: Elements like hair color and personal variations in growth may impact metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these actually analyze hair strands rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Savage, MN

Hair follicle testing offers significantly improved detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. This method provides a comprehensive view of substance use, rendering it a superior alternative.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Savage, MN

Hair follicle drug testing stands out by detecting drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Savage, MN

Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the risk of sample tampering, ensuring results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This makes them a preferred choice for maintaining test integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Savage, MN

With a network of testing centers nationwide, accessing testing services is simple and hassle-free, ensuring convenience wherever you are, including local facilities in Savage.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Savage, MN

Ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is a straightforward and confidential process, ensuring user privacy and ease of use while addressing any privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Savage, MN

We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, providing significant value and peace of mind for businesses of varying sizes in Savage, MN.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Savage, MN

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Savage, MN, ensure thorough detection of substance use. These tests are known for their high accuracy, leading to swift and dependable results that benefit both individuals and businesses.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Savage, MN

Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering safety, thus providing peace of mind to employers.

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