Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. When hair is taken from near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month period of substance exposure. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It’s best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. Conversely, "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the starting point where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out an initial swift assessment for substance misuse. While Screening is an economical means to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive result requires further verification for legal acceptance. Any samples that register as potentially positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
For samples indicating a probable positive during Screening, additional hair is selected from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is one of the most intricate methodologies.
To validate any positive screening outcome, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used. All samples presumed positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being labeled "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing takes precedence over urine testing in Clinton, MT, primarily due to its enhanced detection capability. While traditional urine tests cover shorter durations, hair tests offer a more extended observation window, capturing past substance use, and providing a more trustworthy and comprehensive picture for employers and professionals.
A significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Clinton, MT is its extended detection window. This method can uncover drug traces up to 90 days after use, showcasing a detailed history of an individual's substance interactions. Employers gain a comprehensive insight, aiding in informed decision-making and effective employee assessment.
In Clinton, MT, hair follicle testing provides a robust defense against sample tampering. Its methodical approach makes it difficult to adulterate, ensuring that the test results are not only dependable but also uncontestably accurate. This solidity distinguishes hair testing as a trusted choice for professionals who require integrity in results.
Clinton, MT, benefits from convenient testing locations nation-wide that make hair follicle testing accessible and hassle-free. Quick and easy access to testing services in local and national centers ensures a streamlined experience for individuals seeking either routine screenings or mandated evaluations.
Our hair follicle testing process in Clinton, MT, emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality at each step. From ordering to receiving results, clients can trust in a discreet and user-friendly experience, addressing privacy concerns efficiently while ensuring accuracy and ease for all participants.
With competitive pricing structures, Clinton, MT offers hair follicle drug tests that provide fast turnaround times. This affordability ensures that businesses, regardless of size, access excellent value, allowing companies to benefit from the reassurance of accurate and expedient testing.
In Clinton, MT, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their remarkable precision and speed. With advanced technology, results are rapid yet accurate, allowing for dependable detection of substance use. Employers benefit from the high reliability, ensuring that all analyses meet rigorous standards, providing peace of mind.
Hair follicle testing in Clinton, MT offers significant benefit by ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies, mitigating legal liabilities, and fostering a safer working environment. Employers choosing hair tests enhance their peace of mind through reliability and adherence to zero-tolerance standards for drug use.