Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shoreview, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug use through biomarkers trapped within the fibers of a growing strand. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers a detection timeline of up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hairs (about pencil-width) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise specimen weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair may be collected instead. References to head hair indicate only scalp hair, while body hair refers to other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary steps in a lab's drug test result processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial sample entry into the lab's system. Tasks include confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that is not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a quick initial drug abuse check. Although a cost-effective method for ruling out drug use in most samples, positive results from Screening must be confirmed to hold up in court. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.

For presumptive positive samples in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a challenging procedure.

Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection period: Hair drug tests have the ability to identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection window.
• Difficult to tamper: Hair drug tests are notably hard to adulterate, ensuring more accurate results.
• Historical pattern: They provide a timeline of drug usage, not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair around 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier compared to other methods.
• Result variations: Hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Shoreview, MN, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in detecting substances more effectively. Hair analyses offer extended detection periods making them superior for thorough screening.

Employers benefit from enhanced accuracy, unlike urine tests which are prone to manipulations.

Hair testing's unique abilities ensure precise and reliable results, reflecting a broader timeframe of drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Shoreview, MN, offers an extended detection window up to 90 days, a feature not available with urine tests. This long-term monitoring enables employers to grasp comprehensive insights into individuals' drug usage over time.

This tool is invaluable in revealing patterns of substance use, aiding in thorough investigations or assessments.

Employers gain significant advantage with the longer detection span, ensuring more informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Shoreview, MN, provides a tamper-resistant solution, safeguarding against sample adulteration. This ensures unquestionable test outcomes, critical for matters requiring unimpeachable evidence.

The sample integrity remains secure throughout the testing, reinforcing the credibility of results.

This reliability of hair testing is especially beneficial where sample manipulation is a concern.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Shoreview, MN boasts convenient testing locations, with accredited facilities available nationwide. Whether you're seeking a local test center or require services elsewhere, we've got you covered.

Enjoying swift, hassle-free access to drug testing is crucial for timely assessments and decisions.

The vast network ensures clients find nearby centers effortlessly, simplifying the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our hair follicle testing process in Shoreview, MN, is simple and confidential. Clients can seamlessly order tests, submit samples, and receive results with privacy guaranteed.

Maintaining discretion is key; we ensure all data and results are handled securely and with utmost respect.

This ease of use, combined with client confidentiality, addresses and alleviates concerns about privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Shoreview, MN, we offer competitive pricing for our hair follicle testing services. Our affordable rates make it accessible for businesses of all sizes seeking quality assurance.

Fast turnaround ensures timely results, adding value for decision-makers. These features deliver excellent service without straining budgets, offering truth and reliability at great value.

Budget-conscious solutions accommodate various needs while maintaining high service standards.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Shoreview, MN, provide swift, precise outcomes. Their efficacy in indicating substance use is unparalleled, ensuring dependable assessments for employers and legal institutions.

The high accuracy of hair tests reduces false positives or negatives. This reliability is crucial for decision-makers relying on trustworthy data.

Fast turnaround times further enhance hair tests' appeal, facilitating timely decision-making for critical needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Using hair follicle testing in Shoreview, MN, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, lowering legal risks and promoting safety. Employers benefit from adherence to regulations, gain peace of mind, and construct a safer work atmosphere.

The rigorous nature of hair testing strengthens policy enforcement, leading to enhanced workplace discipline and trust.

Investing in reliable testing methods ensures comprehensive compliance.

Drug Testing Near Shoreview, MN

Roseville, MN

Saint Anthony, MN

St. Anthony, MN

Spring Lake Park, MN

Spring Park, MN

Little Canada, MN

Lexington, MN

Circle Pines, MN

Vadnais Heights, MN

North Oaks, MN

Mounds View, MN

New Brighton, MN

Arden Hills, MN

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews