Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term history of substances due to biomarkers becoming embedded in the strands as hair grows. When taken near the scalp, this method can yield up to a 3-month period for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair samples are straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches from roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair is suitable. When discussing head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial input of a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any missing data entries that are not provided electronically.
Screening entails a preliminary check for the presence of illicit substances. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a Screening positive must be verified for judicial purposes. Samples with potential positive results from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening process, additional hair from the initial collection is extracted for the Extraction process. This involves isolating substances from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), thereby making hair drug testing the most complex method.
Confirmation of positive results from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with potential positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as “hair follicle testsâ€, the procedure examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lockwood, MT can be attributed to several factors. Unparalleled Detection: Hair tests offer superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests, providing clear advantages.
Extended Detection Window in Lockwood, MT makes hair follicle testing ideal for employers. With a detection period that extends up to 90 days, employers gain a thorough understanding of a person's substance history, essential for informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lockwood, MT is one of the strongest benefits of hair follicle tests. The risk of sample adulteration is minimized, ensuring results are trustworthy and beyond reproach.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lockwood, MT are pivotal for easy access to drug testing services. With multiple facilities available, obtaining a test is hassle-free and swift.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lockwood, MT reassures individuals about ordering and undergoing testing. Maintaining privacy and ease of use is central to our operations, guaranteeing customer confidence at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lockwood, MT underscores our commitment to providing value. Our competitive pricing structures and quick results foster peace of mind for businesses regardless of size.
Fast and Accurate Detection in Lockwood, MT is highlighted by the precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests. Accuracy in Results is unmatched when identifying substance use, making this method a preferred choice for those seeking reliable testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lockwood, MT are attainable through hair follicle testing. This method ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal exposure and promoting a secure work environment.
