Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol use, hair testing offers a substantial retrospective view of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection range for drugs and alcohol of up to around three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for evaluation and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. When discussing head hair, we are exclusively referring to scalp hair. All other types such as facial or axillary hair fall under body hair.
Process Overview
In the laboratory processing of a drug test result, the four essential steps include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory's database. This step includes validating the sample's sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial quick evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be deemed court-admissible. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial amount for further Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Madison Valley, MT, opting for hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and are highly reliable, capturing a comprehensive substance history.
Urine tests are limited to short-term detection, whereas hair tests extend analysis up to 90 days, thus offering a more complete view of a subject's drug use over time.
Hair follicle testing in Madison Valley, MT, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This feature is pivotal in giving employers a thorough insight into a candidate's or employee's substance usage history.
By offering a longer analysis window, this method surpasses the capabilities of other tests, such as urine, which cover only a few days, enhancing decision-making and policy compliance.
In Madison Valley, MT, the robustness of hair follicle tests lies in their tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly reduce any possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results.
Through direct collection of hair samples, the method maintains its integrity, mitigating risks of deception and offering consistently accurate results that uphold testing standards.
Madison Valley, MT, residents benefit from convenient access to a wide network of nationwide testing centers. This ensures quick, seamless, and hassle-free access to essential testing services.
With local facilities available, individuals are assured of easy access that meets their needs without requiring significant travel, making drug testing simple and accessible.
The hair follicle testing process in Madison Valley, MT, is designed to be simple and confidential. The procedure for scheduling, undertaking, and receiving results prioritizes privacy and ease.
Catering to individual concerns, the steady and discreet handling of each case fortifies trust in the system, ensuring users experience a comfortable and protected testing journey.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround, hair follicle testing in Madison Valley, MT, provides excellent value for businesses, irrespective of size.
Our competitive pricing models guarantee an attractive option for entities looking to enforce effective substance policies without overspending, coupled with timely result deliveries.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Madison Valley, MT, is unmatched. Known for their high precision and rapid results, these tests are a benchmark in detecting substance use with remarkable accuracy.
The technology ensures quick turnaround times without compromising the quality of analysis. This provides users with timely and trustworthy information, pivotal for making informed decisions.
Employers in Madison Valley, MT, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks while enhancing workplace safety.
By employing this testing, companies demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe and drug-free environment, bolstering employer confidence and workforce well-being.
