Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has emerged as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the developing hair fiber. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for evaluation and substantiation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is advised to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s workflow, including confirming the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other necessary data entry that is not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach for excluding drug usage in most samples, any positive result must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower figures than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is supervised under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Ethridge, MT surpasses traditional urine tests. Its superior detection capability offers increased reliability. Employers find that hair testing provides more accurate results compared to urine tests.
In Ethridge, MT, hair follicle testing stands out with an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method provides a comprehensive look at an individual's substance history, ensuring informed decisions for employers.
Hair follicle tests in Ethridge, MT minimize the risk of sample tampering. This tamper-resistant method guarantees reliable outcomes, giving users confidence in the results obtained.
With extensive testing locations nationwide, including Ethridge, MT, our services are easily accessible. This ensures a seamless and efficient testing experience for everyone involved.
Ordering and taking hair follicle tests in Ethridge, MT is straightforward and confidential. The process respects privacy while maintaining a focus on user-friendliness, making it approachable for all.
In Ethridge, MT, we offer hair follicle tests with competitive pricing and fast turnarounds. Companies appreciate the value and peace of mind provided, ensuring cost-effective solutions for all.
The precision and quickness of hair follicle drug tests in Ethridge, MT are unmatched. High accuracy in identifying substance use makes them a preferred choice. Their ability to detect even trace amounts swiftly ensures employers get reliable data quickly.
Employers in Ethridge, MT benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal liabilities and fosters a safer work environment.