Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent method in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand effectively archives a comprehensive history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within its fibers. When taken proximal to the scalp, the hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection horizon for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in width to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield about 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to gather 150mg of the specimen. Using a jeweler’s scale is encouraged for precise specimen weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. By 'head hair', we imply only scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial assimilation of a sample into a lab's framework. This step involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for abusive substances. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening do mandate further confirmation.
If a sample reveals a preliminary positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration than what is found in alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug evaluation the most challenging methodology to execute.
Any screening result that is positive is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive status undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Gardiner, MT, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering longer detection periods and superior accuracy. Hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, providing more reliable results than traditional urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Gardiner, MT allows for a comprehensive understanding of drug use, detecting substances up to 90 days prior. This extended window gives employers a clear view of an employee's past behaviors.
Hair follicle tests in Gardiner, MT significantly minimize the risk of adulteration. The robust testing method ensures dependable and foolproof results, reducing the chances of manipulation compared to regular tests.
Our testing locations in Gardiner, MT and nationwide provide easy access to hair drug testing services. The convenient locations enable swift and efficient testing, eliminating hurdles and facilitating a hassle-free process.
The process for hair follicle testing in Gardiner, MT is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, the emphasis is on simplicity and privacy, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality.
Gardiner, MT companies can benefit from our budget-friendly pricing and fast results. Our competitive rates and quick service provide excellent value, catering to organizations of all sizes efficiently.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Gardiner, MT is unmatched, providing fast and reliable results. Substance use can be detected in a highly accurate manner, ensuring that the findings are trustworthy.
Employers in Gardiner, MT can rest assured with hair follicle tests, which ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal risks, companies can focus on maintaining a safe work environment.