Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drug presence by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. Hair sampled near the scalp can offer an estimated detection period of three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and facilitates easy transportation.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for signs of drug abuse. It serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for many samples, yet a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require a second confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug analysis is considered the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, hair analysis emerges as superior in Busby, MT due to its comprehensive detection capabilities. Hair tests reveal a longer history of drug use, making them an excellent choice for environments that require rigorous background checks. The reliability of this method significantly surpasses that of urine tests, providing a clearer insight into an individual's substance habits.
Hair follicle testing in Busby, MT offers an extensive detection window that can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended period helps employers evaluate a more comprehensive substance use history of potential or current employees. By uncovering long-term patterns rather than isolated incidents, this method allows for thorough assessments of individuals’ adherence to drug-free policies.
The integrity of hair follicle testing is unmatched, especially in Busby, MT, where the method is hailed for minimizing the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other testing forms, hair analysis offers conclusive results that are difficult to evade, providing employers and agencies with a steadfast assessment method. This reliability strengthens trust in the results obtained, ensuring decisions are based on uncontaminated data.
With numerous nationwide testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient hair follicle testing options for Busby, MT residents. Local accessibility to these services simplifies the process, making it quick and hassle-free. Whether you need immediate or scheduled testing, our widespread locations make access seamless, ensuring all your testing needs are met promptly and efficiently.
The testing process with Accredited Drug Testing in Busby, MT is both simple and confidential. From the initial order to receiving the results, every step respects your privacy and ensures ease of use. Clients can rest assured that their personal data is secure, allowing them to focus solely on obtaining fast and accurate results in an effortlessly streamlined manner.
Accredited Drug Testing in Busby, MT offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Companies benefit from cost-effective solutions that do not compromise quality, maintaining budget-friendly options while delivering fast results. This ensures businesses of all sizes receive exceptional value, alongside the assurance of reliable and prompt test outcomes.
In Busby, MT, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy, ensuring precise detection of substance use. The advanced analysis procedures guarantee dependable results, making them a valuable tool for employers and agencies seeking to enforce drug-free environments. The efficiency with which results are delivered is unparalleled, offering peace of mind through a highly accurate reflection of an individual's recent drug use.
Employers in Busby, MT benefit from the peace of mind that comes with compliance through hair follicle testing. By following rigorous testing standards, businesses can reinforce their commitment to maintaining drug-free workplaces. This method not only reduces potential legal disputes but also enhances overall safety, creating a secure and substance-free working environment for all employees.
