Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ennis, MT

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of approximately 1.5 inches, containing about 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four primary phases in the lab's processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s framework. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for misuse of drugs. Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use for most samples, however, any positive screening must be corroborated to be valid in court. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require a further confirmation step.

If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies.

Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Hard to falsify: Hair drug tests are very difficult to tamper with, ensuring more reliable results.
• Pattern of drug use: It provides insight into drug use patterns over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent use: Drugs can take roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are costlier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair testing over urine tests in Ennis, MT? Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and are highly reliable, revealing substance use over a longer period. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests can expose patterns of use that might otherwise be undetected.

With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair testing provides a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history, while traditional urine tests may miss or underreport substance presence.

Extended Detection Window

For employer needs in Ennis, MT, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This provides a comprehensive view into an individual's past drug use, unlike urine tests that cover a shorter span.

This longer window assists employers in better understanding the substance use history of employees or applicants, ensuring a drug-free workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Ennis, MT, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method of drug testing. The collection process is observed, making it difficult to adulterate the sample, ensuring unquestionable results.

This reduces the risk of sample manipulation that might occur in other testing methods, offering peace of mind to employers relying on the results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Ennis, MT, our services include convenient locations for hair follicle testing nationwide. This means quick and hassle-free access to testing with local availability.

With testing centers spread across the nation, clients can expect seamless service without the inconvenience of traveling long distances for necessary testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Ennis, MT, for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures respect for privacy and ease of use.

This straightforward process is designed to allay privacy concerns while maintaining simplicity for users, making it an attractive option for many.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing structures, conducting hair follicle drug tests in Ennis, MT, is affordable and accompanied by quick turnaround times. This offers excellent value to companies of all sizes.

Clients benefit from prompt results without compromising on cost-effectiveness, ensuring peace of mind through budget-friendly services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Ennis, MT, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed in delivering results. These tests stand out for their high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing reliable data necessary for informed decision-making.

The hair follicle testing process is designed for swift execution and ensures accurate reports swiftly. This method’s efficiency highlights why it's preferred over other testing alternatives.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For those maintaining drug-free workplaces, hair follicle testing in Ennis, MT, offers compliance and peace of mind. This method helps adhere to workplace policies efficiently, reducing legal risks and enhancing the overall safety of the work environment.

Employers gain confidence knowing that the testing process supports a drug-free culture and contributes to a secure workplace setting.

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