Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of substance intake due to the preservation of biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When sourced close to the scalp, a hair sample can offer a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (the approximate diameter of a standard pencil) next to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for thorough screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in a laboratory's process for analyzing a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is entered into the lab's system. This step confirms the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigns it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any data entry omitted by the electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although cost-effective as a preliminary test to exclude drug use in numerous samples, any positive result in Screening requires further confirmatory testing to be valid in a legal context. Samples that yield positive results in Screening subsequently require Confirmation.
For those samples that test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods, such as urine or oral fluid testing, which is why hair drug testing is technically complex.
Confirmation for any positive Screening results employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all positive samples are thoroughly cleaned as needed. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted per both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite common references to "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strands rather than the follicles situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carlton, MT is clear when comparing their effectiveness. Hair tests stand out with superior detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. Employers looking for precise identification of drug use prefer hair follicle screening, ensuring higher standards in workplace safety.
Extended Detection Window in Carlton, MT means hair follicle tests can reveal drug use for a significantly longer period, typically up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe provides employers with a broader view of an individual's substance use history, benefiting both hiring decisions and continued employment assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carlton, MT greatly reduces the chances of adulteration, guaranteeing results that are both trustworthy and indisputable. Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of tampered samples, ensuring the integrity and reliability of test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carlton, MT ensure testing services are always accessible. With numerous facilities across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing provides a convenient solution for those needing quick, simple, and reliable drug testing services, minimizing disruptions in daily routines.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carlton, MT safeguards user privacy and comfort throughout the testing procedure. The process is straightforward and respects confidentiality, addressing potential concerns about ease and privacy of use while ensuring quick and discreet results delivery.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carlton, MT offer competitive rates and efficient processing times, making them highly appealing for companies seeking economical and dependable testing solutions. This combination results in great value, enhancing confidence for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carlton, MT offer unparalleled efficiency in detecting substances. Hair follicle drug tests are both swift and precise, providing high accuracy levels that are crucial for employers and legal authorities. Rapid processing and trustworthy results make hair testing an invaluable tool in maintaining drug-free environments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carlton, MT are achieved through hair follicle testing. By utilizing this method, employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, decrease legal exposures, and enhance overall workplace safety, creating a secure environment for all employees.
