Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When extracted near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for the presence of alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be taken. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s system. This step confirms the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out substance use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally admissible. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is removed from the original sample and set up for Extraction. In this phase, substances are drawn from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging procedure to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before final confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Lozeau, MT, hair follicle testing stands out compared to traditional urine tests. Hair testing boasts a longer detection window, capturing a history of substance use up to 90 days, while urine tests are limited in time. Moreover, the reliability and accuracy of hair tests make them an excellent choice for detecting drug use with greater dependability.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage in Lozeau, MT. This method records drug use over a 90-day period, offering employers a detailed view of an individual's past substance consumption, thus aiding in making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Lozeau, MT offer a tamper-resistant alternative to traditional testing methods. Reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver reliable and conclusive results. This way, employers and authorities can have confidence in the outcomes, knowing they're accurate and verifiable.
With numerous testing centers across the nation, residents of Lozeau, MT benefit from convenient, local access to hair follicle testing. The ease and speed of reaching these centers ensure that everyone can partake in this reliable testing service without hassle or major disruptions.
The hair follicle testing process in Lozeau, MT is both simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined to safeguard privacy and ensure user convenience, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and ease of access throughout the process.
Competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround is key for our hair follicle testing in Lozeau, MT. Offering excellent value, this service accommodates businesses of all sizes, proving to be an affordable yet reliable solution for companies aiming to maintain a drug-free work environment.
Hair follicle drug tests are known for providing fast, accurate, and trustworthy results in Lozeau, MT. With their high level of precision, these tests ensure accurate detection of substance use, eliminating doubt for employers and individuals alike. The efficiency of hair testing helps maintain the integrity of the testing process.
Ensuring compliance with drug-free policies in the workplace is vital for employers in Lozeau, MT. Hair follicle testing provides peace of mind by minimizing legal risks and elevating workplace safety, thus promoting a healthy, drug-free environment for all employees.
