Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive record of drug and alcohol intake by embedding markers within the hair's growing fibers. When plucked near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection timeframe of up to three months for drug and alcohol use. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches made up of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly matching the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and any requiring more than 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. It's beneficial to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair is inclusive of all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary processing of a sample within a lab’s database. This step confirms that the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach for dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome requires further confirmation to be deemed permissible in legal scenarios. Any presumptively positive samples during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Upon obtaining a presumptive positive result in Screening, an additional portion of hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole laboratory procedure is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair stipulation and adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Harlowton, MT can be easily understood by comparing their benefits.
While traditional urine tests are well-known, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. With its ability to identify a wider range of substances over a longer period, hair drug testing outshines urine tests, providing more dependable results for decision-making.
Extended Detection Window in Harlowton, MT is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing.
This method is capable of detecting drug usage over an extended period, up to 90 days, offering employers a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee's substance history. This long detection window greatly surpasses the shorter timeframe typically provided by other testing methods, like urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harlowton, MT ensures reliable results.
Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the potential for sample adulteration, providing a tamper-proof option for drug screening. This testing methodology enhances the integrity and credibility of the results, ensuring they remain unquestionable, which is crucial for maintaining trust in workplace drug testing programs.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Harlowton, MT make drug testing accessible.
With testing centers spread across the nation, our services are designed to provide quick, hassle-free access to all your drug testing needs. This network ensures that no matter where you are, reliable testing services are within reach, making it easier than ever to stay compliant and secure quality results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Harlowton, MT ensures ease and privacy.
The process for arranging, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This simplicity addresses any privacy concerns while making it easy for individuals and businesses to manage drug testing securely and with peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Harlowton, MT provide great value.
Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent cost-effectiveness, coupled with quick turnaround times. Businesses of various sizes can benefit from our expedited and budget-friendly services, achieving peace of mind while optimizing costs associated with employee drug testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Harlowton, MT are guaranteed with the use of hair follicle drug tests.
These tests provide high levels of precision and speed when detecting drug use. With their enhanced accuracy, hair analysis excels in identifying substances, making it the preferred choice for those seeking efficiency and dependability in drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harlowton, MT are attainable with hair follicle testing.
By adopting this testing approach, companies can better adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer work environment. Employers gain confidence in their compliance efforts, leading to improved workplace morale and safety standards.
