Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a medium capturing biomarkers within its fibers, offering a longitudinal history of substance use. When sourced near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use for up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to harvest, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) at the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be accessed, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into the system of a laboratory. This step includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing additional data entry not supplied by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening acts as a rapid preliminary assessment for drug substances. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-acceptable. Samples with positive indications in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is carried out using methodologies like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
Hair testing provides a superior alternative to traditional urine tests, offering more accurate detection. With a longer detection window and enhanced reliability, hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, making them the preferred choice for many. In the context of Helena Valley Northwest, MT, this method surpasses urine tests in both precision and dependability.
Extended Detection Window in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
Hair follicle testing's ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, offers employers a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. This comprehensive view equips employers in Helena Valley Northwest, MT, with valuable information to make informed decisions, ensuring a safer workplace environment for all.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
The robustness of hair follicle tests significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, yielding reliable outcomes. With a highly secure collection process, these tests uphold integrity, offering trustworthy results. For organizations in Helena Valley Northwest, MT, this means peace of mind knowing that the findings are authentic and deceit-free.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
Our extensive network of testing centers provides unparalleled convenience, ensuring accessible and stress-free testing services nationwide. Located in key areas, including Helena Valley Northwest, MT, our facilities make drug testing an easy and seamless process, no matter where you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet, from ordering to receiving your results. Prioritizing confidentiality, we ensure privacy and ease at every step, addressing any concerns. Individuals in Helena Valley Northwest, MT, can trust in a smooth, unobtrusive testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value coupled with swift turnaround times. For businesses in Helena Valley Northwest, MT, this means affordable, efficient testing, offering peace of mind and cost-effective solutions suitable for companies of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and speed, making them an ideal choice for accurate substance detection. By capturing evidence of drug use, these tests are both fast and remarkably reliable, ensuring that substance use is detected with high accuracy. For individuals and employers in Helena Valley Northwest, MT, this means timely results without compromising on quality.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
Utilizing hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities while boosting workplace safety. For employers in Helena Valley Northwest, MT, this testing approach ensures compliance and enhances assurance, promoting a safe and productive working environment.
