Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis stands out as a significant means for identifying substance use. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can show a detection period of up to nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a small-scale device like a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Outline
The key stages in processing a lab drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary introduction of a sample into the lab’s workflow. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a non-identifiable LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic tracking system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug substances. While cost-effective for excluding drug presence in most samples, any positives from Screening must be verified to stand in legal settings. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Drugs are then extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), marking hair drug testing as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening outcomes is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo a cleansing process before confirmation if necessary. The full lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Challenges:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often arises, but the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the actual follicle below the scalp
When comparing hair testing to urine testing in Harrison, MT, hair follicle exams shine with their ability to offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. While standard urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests reveal patterns and substance abuse over a more extended period, making them invaluable for comprehensive substance monitoring.
In Harrison, MT, hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days back. Employers benefit from a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, providing insights into longer-term behavioral patterns, rather than just short-term detection, which can be crucial for sound hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Harrison, MT, offer a tamper-resistant testing method that significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. The collection process is straightforward and observed, ensuring integrity and reliability. With results that are difficult to dispute, these tests offer dependable outcomes for sensitive drug screening needs.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing locations, including in Harrison, MT. Quick, easy access to our centers ensures a hassle-free experience. This extensive network guarantees that individuals and businesses can effortlessly find a nearby facility, streamlining the entire testing process.
In Harrison, MT, our hair follicle testing process promises simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to test-taking and reporting results, each step is designed to be straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease of use. This care to detail relieves privacy concerns while maintaining an uncomplicated testing experience.
In Harrison, MT businesses can rely on affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing models provide excellent value across the board, making it a viable choice for companies of all sizes, ensuring both fiscal responsibility and peace of mind through quick, reliable results.
In Harrison, MT, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests are engineered to deliver swift, accurate results, minimizing wait times and providing important information promptly. This makes them a reliable choice for those needing truth in substance detection.
Employers in Harrison, MT can ensure compliance and peace of mind by using hair follicle testing to enforce drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces the risk of legal issues but also enhances overall safety and productivity. Trusting hair follicle testing reduces doubts and strengthens workplace protocols.
