Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by preserving biomarkers within the strands as they grow. By taking samples close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample in a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary manual data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal proceedings. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening poses a higher challenge in execution.
Confirmation of a positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often misrepresented as "hair follicle tests," the test is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Crackerville, MT
Hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests through enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair sampling offers a longer detection period and reduces the chances of tampered results, offering a superior alternative for workplaces striving to maintain a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Crackerville, MT
Hair follicle testing provides an in-depth look at an individual's drug use history, covering a period of up to 90 days. For employers in Crackerville, MT, this offers a comprehensive insight into potential hires or employees, ensuring informed and responsible hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Crackerville, MT
Hair follicle drug tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. The method ensures consistency and authenticity in results, offering Crackerville employers confidence in the integrity of their drug testing efforts, preventing deceit and safeguarding the workplace.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Crackerville, MT
Accredited Drug Testing simplifies access to screening services through nationwide centers. In Crackerville, ample local locations facilitate straightforward, prompt testing experiences, minimizing hassle while ensuring thorough substance use monitoring.
Simple, Confidential Process in Crackerville, MT
The process of hair follicle testing is designed with simplicity and discretion in mind. From ordering to results delivery, each step respects privacy and promotes user confidence. Clients receive the assurance of a streamlined, confidential testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Crackerville, MT
Our pricing strategies attract organizations of all scales, pairing cost-effectiveness with rapid result delivery. For businesses in Crackerville seeking value without compromising quality, our testing services provide an excellent solution.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Crackerville, MT
Crackerville, MT benefits from the unmatched precision of hair follicle drug tests. These tests ensure high accuracy in detecting substance use, offering employers the trust they need in their screening processes. The speed at which results are delivered further underscores the value of hair follicle testing as a leading choice for drug detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Crackerville, MT
Adopting hair follicle testing aligns companies with best practices in maintaining drug-free policies. Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and enhanced workplace safety, providing peace of mind in their commitment to securing a safe working environment.
