Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Columbia Falls, MT

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. If collected near the scalp, hair can indicate use over nearly a three-month period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches containing around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for analysis. When testing for EtG, additional analytes, or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, the collection of a similar quantity of body hair is an option. It should be noted that head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair such as facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The primary laboratory steps in drug test analysis encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first phase where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This step involves checking that the sample's seal and shipping were intact, issuing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary manual data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary examination for drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for many samples, a positive Screen result must be validated to ensure legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive need further confirmation.

For samples that are presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction process. During this phase, drug substances are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than methods like urine or saliva testing, making hair drug screening one of the most complex processes to conduct.

Positive screening results require validation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before proceeding to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as appropriate. The full lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that offer a shorter detection time frame.
• High resistance to tampering: The results of a hair drug test are more reliable as they are hard to alter.
• Longitudinal data provision: Offers insight into drug usage trends over time rather than immediate use results.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs require roughly 5-7 days post-use to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically incurs higher costs compared to alternate testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Columbia Falls, MT, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering superior detection capabilities and reliability. The method provides a more extended detection window and better accuracy, essential for comprehensive substance use monitoring.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Columbia Falls, MT, is unparalleled in its ability to detect drug use over an extensive period—up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection capability gives employers crucial insights into an individual's potential substance use history and behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Columbia Falls, MT, the hair follicle test is a reliable, tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results that are difficult to dispute.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing centers nationwide and convenient local options in Columbia Falls, MT, our clients can access drug testing services quickly and effortlessly, experiencing a seamless and straightforward testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Columbia Falls, MT, is simple and private, easing concerns about confidentiality and efficiency. Our structured approach ensures that ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, preserving individual privacy and security.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Columbia Falls, MT, businesses benefit from our competitive pricing structures and efficient turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This combination provides exceptional value and assurance for companies of various sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Columbia Falls, MT, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, dependable, and impressive accuracy. With their heightened precision, these tests can swiftly identify substance use patterns, providing a critical edge in drug detection over other test methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Columbia Falls, MT, benefit from compliance and peace of mind when implementing hair follicle testing. It's a reassuring method for upholding drug-free workplace policies, lessening legal risks, and enhancing overall workplace safety.

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