Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair samples has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains biomolecules within the strands as it grows, offering a long-term view of substance use. Collecting hair near the scalp can extend the detection period for substances like alcohol and drugs to approximately three months. This method is straightforward in collection, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair segment comprising roughly 200 strands (akin to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, deemed ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, or panels exceeding ten, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to confirm the specimen’s weight. Should scalp hair be lacking, a comparative quantity of body hair may be procured. In discussing head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" categorizes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for deriving a drug test result encompasses four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the sample's initial integration into a lab's database. This step includes ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for illicit substances. While it offers a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use for numerous samples, any positive indication from Screening must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples flagged in Screening as presumptively positive necessitate further verification.
For samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is extracted and readied for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations when compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), emphasizing why hair drug screening presents significant challenges to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples assumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The laboratory operations from Accessioning to Confirmation are inspected in adherence with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the assessment targets the hair strand itself, not the scalp’s hair follicle.
Advantages of Hair Testing in Geraldine, MT: When compared to standard urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window: In Geraldine, MT, hair follicle testing is valued for its ability to probe drug use back up to 90 days. This extended timeframe offers employers a fuller understanding of an individual's substance use history, beyond what conventional urine tests can provide.
Minimizing Adulteration Risks: Hair follicle testing in Geraldine, MT significantly curtails the likelihood of sample tampering. These tests ensure truthful and dependable outcomes, given their resistance to external manipulations.
Accessible Nationwide and Local Testing: Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient and hassle-free access to drug testing services in Geraldine, MT, with centers available nationwide.
Simplified and Private Testing: The drug testing process in Geraldine, MT is designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and accessibility for all users.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Results: In Geraldine, MT, our testing services are not only affordably priced but also ensure quick turnaround times, delivering great value to businesses of all sizes.
Geraldine, MT benefits greatly from the swift precision offered by hair follicle drug tests. These tests are distinguished by their high accuracy in identifying substance use, surpassing traditional methods.
Quick and Reliable Results: Hair tests deliver a precise detection of drugs, ensuring fast and reliable outcomes that stakeholders can trust.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers: By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers in Geraldine, MT can adhere to drug-free workplace mandates more effectively.
