Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within the structure of the hair as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly three-month window of detection for alcohol and drug use. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we use the term head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core steps in the lab processing of a drug testing outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the introductory process of entering a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This step entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with a tentative positive result in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a potential positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial specimen is extracted for further preparation in the Extraction stage. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with assumed positive results are washed if necessary before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Basin, MT, hair follicle testing beats urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. The hair test boasts a much longer detection period, up to 90 days, compared to the short span covered by urine tests. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers to assess long-term compliance and maintain a drug-free workplace. Its meticulous process ensures minimal room for error.
The most significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Basin, MT is its extended detection window. Employers and organizations can gain insights into an individual’s substance use history over the past 90 days. This long-term view is crucial in making informed decisions about hiring or continued employment, offering a comprehensive look at drug-use patterns.
In Basin, MT, the hair follicle testing method is praised for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods where adulteration of samples poses a risk, hair tests minimize this concern. The collection process is stringent and controlled, ensuring the results are reliable and cannot be easily compromised, making it a trustworthy choice for sensitive testing.
Our convenient testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Basin, MT, make accessing hair follicle testing easy and hassle-free. With numerous locations available, individuals and companies can benefit from prompt and straightforward processing, ensuring that testing needs are handled efficiently, with minimal disruption to routine activities.
The procedure for hair follicle testing in Basin, MT, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering a test to the collection process and receiving results, our services ensure privacy and ease of use. This streamlined process tackles any privacy concerns while delivering accurate and reliable results promptly.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Basin, MT provides excellent value. Our affordable pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring that thorough and reliable testing is accessible. The quick delivery of results guarantees efficiency and peace of mind for all our clients.
Hair follicle tests provide fast and precise results in Basin, MT. Their accuracy in identifying various substances is unmatched, ensuring that employers and individuals receive reliable and timely information. The process from collection to diagnosis is streamlined to offer quick results without compromising on quality, making these tests incredibly effective for immediate needs.
Employers in Basin, MT, achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. By adopting this method, workplaces can reliably enforce drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and fostering a safer working environment. The detailed and extensive detection period supports these efforts by offering consistent and verifiable results.
