What it is, How it works

Viewed as a potent method for spotting drug and alcohol usage, hair testing has gained prominence. The strands retain biomarkers within the fibers, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When cut near the scalp, hair can show drug and alcohol use spanning up to about three months. It is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward for transport.

A hair sample, 1.5 inches in length containing roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will supply 100mg, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, add-ons, and tests over 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing. If head hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers strictly to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug testing result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves incorporating a sample into the lab's system, ensuring the sample remains sealed and is shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any outstanding data entries not handled by an electronic custody chain.

Screening offers a rapid initial examination for drugs of abuse. Though it’s a cost-efficient means of negating drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples that initially test positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.

If a sample indicates a positive result during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is prepared for Extraction. Drugs are then drawn from the hair at concentrations much lower than those in other methods like urine or oral fluid, thus establishing hair testing as a challenging methodology.

Confirmatory testing follows any positive Screen result, employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, it’s standard to wash presumptively positive samples if necessary. The entirety of the lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Long detection window: Hair drug tests can capture drug usage for as much as 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a more limited detection period.
Difficulty to cheat: Cheating on a hair drug test is rather hard, ensuring more dependable results.
Provides historical data: It delivers an overview of drug consumption trends over time, unlike merely indicating recent use.

Limitations:

Cannot detect recent usage: It generally takes 5-7 days for drugs to emerge as detectable in hair.
Cost: Compared to other drug tests, hair drug tests tend to be pricier.
Variations in results: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Though frequently labeled "hair follicle tests", the testing process evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Glentana, MT? The ability to deliver enhanced detection accuracy and reliability makes hair testing a superior option. Below are some of the compelling benefits that set hair tests apart from urine assessments.

Extended Detection: Hair tests cover a longer duration, typically up to 90 days.
Reduced Dishonesty: Due to sample collection processes, tampering is significantly reduced.
Broader Insight: Hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history.

Extended Detection Window

Unlock the potential of extended detection periods with hair follicle testing in Glentana, MT. Employers gain access to a broader 90-day window, allowing for a thorough analysis of substance habits among applicants or employees.

Detailed History: Gain insight into substance use without the limitations of shorter tests.
Comprehensive Screening: The 90-day window bridges the gap for periodic users missed by other tests.
Informed Decisions: More data means better hiring and management decisions are possible.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Glentana, MT, offers a highly tamper-resistant method, drastically decreasing the chances of sample adulteration, and delivering results that are beyond question.

Trustworthy Samples: The process of collecting hair samples creates a robust defense against manipulation.
Impartial Results: Due to the difficulty in tampering, results maintain high integrity.
Dependable Outcomes: Ensures fairness in interpretation and upholds testing credibility.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessing drug testing services is straightforward in Glentana, MT, thanks to our convenient nationwide centers. Enjoy seamless, hassle-free access to our testing facilities.

Nationwide Reach: Our testing centers are available across various cities to meet your needs effortlessly.
Local Convenience: Easily find trusted local centers for quick service.
Efficient Service: The straightforward approach ensures minimal disruption to your day.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Glentana, MT, is both simple and confidential, creating minimal hassle from ordering to obtaining results, safeguarding privacy and ensuring ease of use.

Easy Scheduling: Book appointments conveniently according to your timings.
Confidential Handling: Information remains private and secure at all stages.
User-Friendly Process: Every step is designed for simplicity and user-friendliness.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Glentana, MT, enjoy affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates ensure that every company, irrespective of size, gains excellent value.

Competitive Pricing: We provide budget-friendly options that don't compromise quality.
Speedy Results: Fast processing means that decisions can be made without delay.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Our services offer high returns on investment for businesses.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Experience unparalleled precision and speed with hair follicle testing in Glentana, MT. From the moment of collection to the delivery of results, each phase is crafted to ensure high accuracy in detecting substance use.

Fast Turnaround: Expect a swift reporting time, so decisions can be made promptly.
Accurate Detection: The testing mechanism minimizes errors, ensuring reliable results every time.
Reliable Methodology: Hair tests use advanced technology to detect even trace levels of substances.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

By utilizing hair follicle testing, Glentana, MT employers ensure compliance with stringent workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks and contributing to overall workplace safety.

Enhanced Security: Safe practices result in a secure working environment for everyone.
Legal Compliance: Adhering to regulations reduces potential legal issues.
Employee Assurance: Promoting a substance-free workplace enhances standard employee morale and confidence.