Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. When collected in proximity to the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 90-day detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hairs (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp, yields roughly 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial sample integration into a lab’s system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening is cost-effective to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive outcomes require confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further validation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from hair at much lower levels than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique.
Positive screening findings are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples deemed presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Melville, MT, proves superior to urine tests in various aspects. With its longer detection window, it captures a comprehensive picture of drug use, offering accuracy unmatched by traditional methods. Hair tests not only increase detection span but ensure greater reliability by reducing the risk of adulteration common in urine testing.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Melville, MT, offers a clear advantage by revealing drug use over the past 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed insight into an individual's substance history, supporting better-informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Employers gain a thorough understanding of applicants' long-term drug patterns.
In Melville, MT, the hair follicle test stands out for its robustness against tampering. This cutting-edge method reduces the chances of sample adulteration, securing dependable and unquestionable results that are vital for making informed decisions regarding substance use.
A tamper-resistant approach helps maintain integrity throughout the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient locations nationwide, including Melville, MT, providing easy access to testing services. This network of centers ensures swift and hassle-free booking and testing, so individuals and businesses enjoy quick and efficient service.
In Melville, MT, the process for hair follicle testing remains straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, clients benefit from a streamlined procedure that respects privacy and simplifies the testing experience, catering to those who value both efficiency and discretion.
Melville, MT, enjoys competitive pricing and rapid response times for hair follicle testing. With cost-effective solutions and swift turnaround, businesses of all sizes find excellent value in choosing our services, contributing to peace of mind and operational efficiency.
In Melville, MT, the precision of hair follicle drug testing is unmatched. Its efficiency lies in the ability to swiftly analyze samples, providing fast and dependable results. This method detects a broad range of substances with high accuracy, ensuring trustworthy outcomes in substance use evaluations.
The systematic approach ensures high reliability, saving time while delivering consistent accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in Melville, MT, ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, significantly reducing legal risks. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their preventive measures align with federal and state guidelines, fostering a safer and more productive work environment.
