Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol consumption and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month window to detect alcohol and drug presence. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
An ideal sample for assessment and verification comprises a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximating the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, equating to 100mg of hair. For tests involving EtG, additional factors, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair denote scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within a laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and records any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts a preliminary evaluation for abuse drugs. Although a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from the hair at a much reduced concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging technique to perform.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is utilized to confirm any positive screening results. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair to urine testing in McLeod, MT, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers find them invaluable due to the increased detection period they provide.
Hair testing surpasses urine testing by detecting drug usage over longer periods, offering detailed insights into substance history.
Urine tests lack the same detection window and reliability, as hair tests can uncover use that urine tests might miss, ensuring more comprehensive evaluations.
In McLeod, MT, hair follicle testing extends the detection window for identifying drug use up to 90 days. This lengthy detection period gives a broader view of an individual's substance habits.
Employers gain a more complete understanding of an applicant's history with the extended detection capabilities of hair follicle testing.
The remarkable capability of these tests catch patterns of drug use that cannot be identified by other testing methods, offering unparalleled insights.
Hair follicle tests in McLeod, MT, significantly reduce sample tampering risks, ensuring reliable results that are difficult to contest.
Since hair samples are collected under strict observation, the chances of adulteration are nearly eradicated, providing trustworthy outcomes.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair testing ensures the integrity of the test results, presenting an unchallengeable account of an individual's substance use.
In McLeod, MT, Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing centers, making access to testing services quick and simple.
Our local testing locations ensure hassle-free service, allowing individuals to partake in necessary testing without inconvenient travel.
With widespread locations, Accredited Drug Testing in McLeod, MT guarantees easy and timely access to reliable hair follicle testing centers.
The hair follicle testing process in McLeod, MT, is straightforward and private, from ordering to receiving results, ensuring ease and confidentiality.
We prioritize user-friendly interactions, making it simple for individuals to obtain tests and gain insights into their results swiftly.
Our process respects the privacy of participants, providing confidential handling of all tests and reports, offering peace of mind.
Accredited Drug Testing in McLeod, MT, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, providing quick turnaround times that ensure excellent value for organizations.
With pricing that fits any budget, our testing services deliver high-quality results without unnecessary expense.
Fast and economical, our hair follicle testing solutions offer companies of all sizes peace of mind, reinforcing the value through affordability and speed.
The precision and pace of hair follicle drug tests in McLeod, MT, are unmatched. They are known for their swift and highly accurate results, offering an edge in substance detection.
The accuracy of hair tests ensures that even minute traces of substance use are discovered, providing fast and reliable results that you can trust.
With the quick processing times of hair follicle tests, you receive results without delay, giving peace of mind for time-sensitive needs.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in McLeod, MT, helps companies maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety.
Employers experience peace of mind knowing that hair testing supports policy adherence and fosters a safe work environment.
The thoroughness of hair follicle tests reinforces a company's commitment to health and safety, offering reassurance to both employers and employees.
