Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by entrapping biomarkers within the fibers of the elongating hair strand. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil’s size) near the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample amounting to 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighting is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When addressing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encapsulates four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This phase involves verifying the sample's correct sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary supplementary data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Any presumptive positive samples during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are disentangled from hair at concentrations considerably lesser than those used in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Helena Valley Northeast, MT, hair follicle testing is the superior choice over traditional urine tests. The hair analysis technique greatly outshines urine tests in terms of detection precision and reliability. This method provides a more comprehensive look into an individual's drug history.
The benefits of choosing hair testing over urine are substantial. Primarily, it offers a broader detection span which suits better for policies requiring rigorous screening. Employers and courts find this test more dependable for long-term substance history assessment.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Helena Valley Northeast, MT, is its extensive detection window. This method can trace drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough view of an employee's or candidate's substance history.
Such an extended detection timeline is invaluable for employers wanting to ensure workplace safety and compliance. It provides transparency into an individual's long-term habits, allowing more informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Helena Valley Northeast, MT, significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, which is a common concern in drug testing. Its resistance to tampering ensures that the results remain trustworthy and defensible.
This method's robustness in preserving sample integrity eliminates doubts, offering confident results. Stakeholders can rest assured that what is reported is true, making it a reliable choice for critical decision-making.
In Helena Valley Northeast, MT, convenient nationwide testing centers make drug testing accessible and hassle-free. With numerous local facilities, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that accessing testing services is straightforward and efficient.
Our extensive network allows individuals and businesses quick access without lengthy delays, making it a user-friendly option for those in need of reliable drug testing services.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Helena Valley Northeast, MT, is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined to respect individual privacy.
We prioritize customer ease by providing a seamless testing experience. Privacy considerations are central, ensuring that all individuals feel secure throughout the entire process, reinforcing trust in our services.
Accredited Drug Testing in Helena Valley Northeast, MT, offers competitive pricing, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. The fast turnaround times enhance the value provided to companies of all sizes.
Our pricing structure is designed to offer excellent value for money, ensuring businesses can manage costs effectively while maintaining high standards of drug testing. Quick results at a reasonable price benefit large and small enterprises alike.
Hair follicle drug tests in Helena Valley Northeast, MT, are renowned for their precision and quick results. Unlike other methods, they stand out for their accuracy in identifying substance use. This testing technique provides high-quality results within a short timeframe, ensuring that employers get reliable data.
The streamlined process involved in hair testing facilitates expedited results that don't compromise on detail. It promises high precision in detecting even minimal substance use, offering peace of mind to all involved.
Utilizing hair follicle drug tests in Helena Valley Northeast, MT, offers employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests contribute to reducing legal risks and promoting safety.
The peace of mind it brings is invaluable, knowing that your organization adheres to stringent anti-drug protocols. It fosters a safer work environment, reducing incidents related to substance misuse.