Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly acknowledged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and other substances. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for an approximate duration of three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and transportation is convenient.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, composed of around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, additional evaluations, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This phase confirms that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any outstanding data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, hair undergoes extraction at significantly lower drug concentration levels than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive findings from screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample with presumptive positive results undergoes a pre-confirmation wash as necessary. This entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subjected to review according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidance and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Butte, MT, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine testing due to its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides an extensive detection window, offering a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers and authorities who seek consistent and accurate results.
Hair follicle testing in Butte, MT, extends the detection frame up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of substance use history. This extensive window allows employers to accurately assess an applicant or employee’s past drug use. Such prolonged coverage makes it an effective choice for organizations seeking comprehensive insight into potential substance abuse issues.
Hair follicle tests in Butte, MT, drastically decrease the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. This method reduces risks associated with sample adulteration typically faced with alternative testing methods, providing accurate and trustworthy test results that both individuals and institutions can rely on.
With convenient testing centers throughout the nation and in Butte, MT, accessing drug testing services is easy, quick, and hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures that services are readily available, providing optimal convenience for individuals and businesses alike.
In Butte, MT, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while being easy to navigate. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to maintain discretion and efficiency, providing a stress-free experience for all parties involved.
Providing affordable pricing and swift turnaround, our hair follicle testing in Butte, MT, is a cost-effective choice for businesses of any size. Our competitive rates, coupled with fast result delivery, ensure exceptional value and peace of mind, meeting the needs of budget-conscious companies.
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed in Butte, MT, resulting in highly accurate outcomes for substance detection. This testing method ensures fast and reliable results, making it the preferred choice for many. The streamlined process enhances efficiency, delivering definitive answers in a timely fashion, thus meeting the demands of both individuals and organizations.
Hair follicle testing in Butte, MT, secures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing employers with peace of mind. By adopting this testing method, organizations can mitigate legal risks and ensure a safer work environment, boosting trust and safety in the workforce.
