At Accredited Drug Testing, we offer comprehensive hair drug testing services in Creston, Montana. Our expertise in hair-based drug and alcohol tests spans across the nation, ensuring accessibility in every city. For accurate results, a hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches from the crown or body is necessary. We test for drugs, alcohol/ETG, along with other bespoke options.
The rise in popularity of hair follicle drug tests as a method has been notable over recent years. Employers, the judicial system, and substance abuse experts increasingly opt for hair drug tests due to their longevity in detecting drug use compared to urine tests. These tests are vital for employers with strict no-drug policies, judicial settings, and monitoring probationers. Their chief advantage is detecting drug use for up to 90 days, gathered under supervision, making deception nearly futile. However, urine tests still excel in identifying very recent drug use within five days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample sized at 1.5 inches, including around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, considered ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advised. If scalp hair cannot be used, an equivalent amount of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair represents all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial sample processing into a lab’s system. This process ensures that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be validated for court admissibility. Samples testing presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening findings is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is rigorously reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Creston, MT shows a clear advantage. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, making them more reliable for long-term drug use monitoring. Unlike urine tests, they reflect a longer drug-use history, providing a more comprehensive picture. This is crucial for workplaces enforcing zero-tolerance drug policies.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Creston, MT, is its extended detection window. These tests provide insights into drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of an individual’s substance use history. This extensive window helps employers make informed decisions based on long-term patterns rather than fleeting encounters with substances.
Hair follicle testing in Creston, MT is exceptionally tamper-resistant, minimizing the possibility of sample alteration. The method's inherent design makes it challenging to manipulate, providing trustworthy and foolproof results. This reliability is crucial for entities that need certainty in their drug testing processes.
Residents of Creston, MT benefit from the convenience of nationwide testing locations, which include local centers. This widespread network ensures that accessing testing services is both quick and hassle-free. Whether local or elsewhere, these centers make the process efficient and readily accessible for everyone.
The process of hair follicle testing in Creston, MT is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use. This clarity and discretion ensure that personal concerns over exposure are minimized, making the experience user-friendly and stress-free.
For businesses of all sizes in Creston, MT, hair follicle testing combines affordable pricing with swift turnaround times. This economical approach provides exceptional value and reduces waiting periods. It’s an ideal solution for companies needing timely and cost-effective drug testing options without compromising quality.
In Creston, MT, hair follicle drug tests are hailed for their rapid and precise outcomes. Their ability to accurately identify substance use sets them apart from other methods. The efficiency of these tests ensures that results are delivered swiftly and reliably. This speed and precision are invaluable, especially for employers aiming to maintain a safe and drug-free work environment.
Employers in Creston, MT find peace of mind with hair follicle testing due to its compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By choosing this method, companies mitigate legal risks and enhance safety. The assurance provided by these tests supports a secure and harmonious workplace environment, aligning with regulatory demands.
