Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged record by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. Hair samples collected near the scalp can provide a detection window of approximately 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with a bundle of around 200 strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) gathered from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for thorough screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is advisable to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal amount of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
Key phases in the laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary fast assessment for illicit substance abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen result must be confirmed to be court-valid. Samples with presumptive positives from Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this step, drug extraction from hair occurs at a lower concentration than using other techniques (such as urine or oral fluids), showcasing the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if required. The whole laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is on the hair strand, not the scalp-located follicle.
When comparing testing methods in Darby, MT, hair follicle testing emerges as superior to traditional urine tests. With unparalleled detection accuracy, hair testing proves more reliable.
Hair testing in Darby outshines urine tests due to its extended detection window and difficulty in evasion, making it the choice for many organizations aiming for accurate and truthful drug screening.
Employers in Darby, MT benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. This method reveals substance use history up to 90 days prior, offering a well-rounded perspective on drug use.
By employing hair follicle drug tests, employers in Darby gain insight into an individual’s long-term drug usage, aiding in making informed employment or probation decisions.
Hair follicle testing greatly reduces the risk of tampering, ensuring authenticity and trustworthiness in results. In Darby, MT, this method effectively safeguards against sample adulteration.
Adulteration is a non-issue with hair follicle tests, providing solid and reliable results. Such tamper-resistant measures are critical for trustworthy drug testing in Darby.
The availability of numerous nationwide testing centers, including in Darby, MT, ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing services, conducive to ease and efficiency.
Quick and stress-free access to testing is a reality in Darby due to the extensive network of local and national testing sites.
Testing is simple and private in Darby, MT, where the hair follicle process from ordering to receiving results thrives on confidentiality and ease for all concerned parties.
In Darby, users can take advantage of a hassle-free testing experience with guaranteed privacy, ensuring a discreet and trusted service at every step.
For competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, Darby’s hair follicle testing services provide excellent value for organizations of any size, enhancing trust and efficiency.
Economical without compromising on speed, Darby's hair testing services ensure quick and affordable results, thus bolstering company confidence and resource management.
In Darby, MT, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with speed, precision, and accuracy. This method ensures the swift identification of substance use, making it ideal for those in need of reliable testing results.
Owing to their sophisticated testing process, hair follicle tests in Darby provide results that are not only quick but have a high degree of accuracy. This testing method significantly minimizes false negatives or positives.
Integrating hair follicle testing in Darby's workplaces ensures adherence to drug-free policies, facilitating compliance and minimizing legal and safety risks.
For Darby employers, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind—ensuring a safe, compliant work environment and aligning with stringent policy standards.
