Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by locking biomarkers within the structure of the hair as it grows. If taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, hard to falsify, and simple to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be present, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it is specific to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes confirming the sample’s seal and correct shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), showcasing why hair drug screening is the most intricate method to carry out.
Confirmation of positive results from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Cat Creek, MT, Hair follicle testing offers a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. With unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability, these tests serve as the preferred method for identifying substance use. Unlike urine testing, hair analysis provides a longer detection window, ensuring no drug goes unnoticed.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Cat Creek, MT is its extended detection window. It can uncover drug usage up to 90 days prior, offering employers a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's substance use history. This broad timeline aids in making informed decisions about workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing in Cat Creek, MT is notably tamper-resistant. This method reduces the chance of sample alteration significantly, thereby providing results that are both reliable and unquestionable. Employers can trust these outcomes knowing that the integrity of the test is upheld.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including local sites in Cat Creek, MT, accessing our services is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread centers ensure prompt and efficient testing for individuals and organizations, simplifying the process across the country.
In Cat Creek, MT, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and convenience, addressing any concerns related to ease of use and confidentiality.
In Cat Creek, MT, we combine affordable pricing with fast turnaround times for our hair follicle drug tests, providing exceptional value. Whether for small companies or large organizations, our competitive pricing structure and quick results offer peace of mind without compromising quality.
In Cat Creek, MT, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests offer precision and speed, quickly identifying substance use with unparalleled accuracy. This efficiency ensures that users get the necessary information without delay, boosting confidence in the testing process.
Employers in Cat Creek, MT find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and enhances the overall safety of the workplace, supporting a healthier work environment.
