Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Melrose, Montana. If a hair drug or alcohol test is required, our expertise in hair testing is unmatched, and we maintain testing centers across all U.S. cities, including the capability to administer these tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is necessary. Tests can be tailored to detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specified substances.
In recent times, hair follicle drug testing has gained prominence over traditional methods. Many employers, legal authorities, and substance abuse experts now favor this over urine testing. Employers with strict drug policies, judicial systems, and probation services frequently opt for hair tests. The key advantage is the extended detection period, often reaching 90 days, coupled with its difficult-to-manipulate nature. However, for drug use within a 5-day window, urine testing still offers greater precision.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for the identification of drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair provides a long-term record of drug and alcohol use. When collected close to the scalp, it offers up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of about 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, while "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in a laboratory involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the start of processing a sample within a lab’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although it serves as an economical way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen result requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Melrose, MT, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to several advantages. Accuracy and a longer detection period are critical benefits of hair testing. Hair tests provide more reliable results, helping authorities and employers maintain compliance in line with drug policies. While traditional urine tests remain popular, hair tests offer a superior alternative in many cases.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Melrose, MT. This longer observation period gives employers a thorough view of an individual's history with substances. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests capture a wider timeframe, thus offering a broader understanding of drug use patterns.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Melrose, MT is its tamper-resistant nature. This method substantially lowers the chances of sample alteration, ensuring that the results are both reliable and incontrovertible. Those seeking dependable testing solutions will appreciate the security hair testing provides against manipulation.
Convenience in Melrose, MT is enhanced with our widespread and accessible testing centers. Offering hassle-free services, our national and local facilities ensure individuals and businesses can easily access our trusted testing solutions across the area, simplifying the testing process significantly.
The testing process in Melrose, MT is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step maintains user privacy and ease of use. Our straightforward approach addresses concerns about confidentiality, making the process smooth and worry-free for all involved.
In Melrose, MT, we focus on offering affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures provide great value, ensuring companies of all sizes can access reliable testing without financial strain. Quick results mean businesses can make informed decisions efficiently.
For fast, accurate, and reliable results in Melrose, MT, hair follicle drug tests stand out. Precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, helping decision-makers with clear evidence. These tests are well-regarded for their speed, making them an ideal choice for prompt assessments. The test's speed and accuracy ensure that employers and others receive dependable results quickly.
In Melrose, MT, hair follicle testing supports workplace safety by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. Employers gain peace of mind, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. Using hair testing reinforces adherence to regulations, thus fortifying the company’s commitment to safety and integrity.
