Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Montpelier, ID

What it is, How it works

Hair screening is now regarded as a potent means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it offers a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types like facial and axillary.

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the initial step, where a sample is processed into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any further data entry needed is completed, especially if an electronic chain of custody system isn't available.

Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result needs confirmation to be legally valid. Any sample with a presumptive positive result during Screening requires additional verification.

If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves drug extraction from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.

All positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes oversight under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug testing can reveal drug use extending back 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to fake: Hair drug testing is notably resistant to manipulation, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers past usage data: It provides a detailed pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of recent detection: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand and does not involve the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Montpelier, ID
Compared to the conventional urine test, hair follicle drug testing offers distinct advantages by providing a much more extensive detection period and enhanced accuracy. Employers and legal entities prefer this approach for its remarkable reliability and efficiency in substance identification.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Montpelier, ID
The significant advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to reveal drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeframe offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance habits, crucial for trust and safety in the workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Montpelier, ID
Hair follicle tests are engineered to minimize sample tampering, resulting in undisputable and consistent outcomes. This feature reassures organizations of the integrity and accuracy of the drug testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Montpelier, ID
With a broad network of testing centers across the nation, access to hair follicle testing is straightforward and stress-free, offering greater convenience to individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Montpelier, ID
The straightforward and private procedure for hair follicle testing addresses concerns of confidentiality seamlessly. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the focus remains on simplicity and privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Montpelier, ID
Our competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times provides exceptional value, ensuring businesses of all scales can access efficient drug testing services without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Montpelier, ID
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precise, quick results, making it the go-to choice for accurate substance detection. This method's high reliability ensures that substance use won't go unnoticed, providing critical information in an efficient manner.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Montpelier, ID
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safer working environment. It provides employers with confidence and clarity in maintaining a compliant workforce.

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