Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within its strands as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a period of up to about three months. It is easy to collect hair samples, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield approximately 100mg, the ideal amount for testing comprehensive and confirmatory analyses. For EtG, additional panels, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we refer strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses every other type of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial process of entering the sample into the laboratory’s database. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes all required data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening is a swift preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly strategy for excluding drug use in most cases, any positive findings must be confirmed for legal purposes. Samples that test positive in Screening necessitate confirmatory testing.
If a sample tests positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction process. This phase separates drugs within the hair at significantly reduced concentrations as compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Any positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory assessment, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair considerations and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Moorhead, MT, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests deliver high detection accuracy and unparalleled reliability. This method identifies substance use much more effectively than urine tests, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize accuracy.
The extended detection window of hair testing surpasses that of urine, capturing a comprehensive substance use history and reducing the likelihood of inaccuracies often associated with urine tests.
Extended Detection Window
In Moorhead, MT, hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an extended period, sometimes up to 90 days. This time frame allows employers to gain a broad overview of an individual’s substance history, helpful in making informed hiring decisions.
The lengthy detection window offered by hair testing surpasses traditional methods, providing insights into an applicant or employee’s long-term substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Moorhead, MT, offer a tamper-resistant solution for drug screening. The nature of these tests makes it difficult to adulterate samples, thus ensuring reliable results.
This method reduces the risk of sample manipulation significantly compared to other testing methods. As a result, the outcomes of hair tests are unquestionable, providing peace of mind for employers and legal entities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Testing services in Moorhead, MT, benefit from the convenience of nationwide centers. Accredited Drug Testing provides quick, easy, and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services, making the process both seamless and accessible.
Individuals and employers alike can appreciate the proximity of these testing centers, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Moorhead, MT, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Our streamlined process not only maintains confidentiality but also ensures ease of use, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking discrete testing solutions.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Moorhead, MT, enjoys competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing. Coupled with fast turnaround times, this provides excellent value for employers of all sizes, reaffirming confidence in the timely delivery of results.
Affordability paired with speed underlines the commitment to delivering top-notch services that support businesses in managing their drug-testing needs efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Moorhead, MT, hair follicle drug tests provide rapid, precise results. The efficiency of these tests lies in their ability to accurately detect substance use. With hair tests, results are delivered swiftly without compromising on the accuracy essential for informed decision-making.
The reliability and speed of hair follicle testing make it a preferred choice. Precision in result delivery ensures that substance detection is thorough and dependable, reinforcing trust in the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Moorhead, MT, the use of hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind for employers.
Employers benefit from the assurance that comes with compliance achieved through reliable testing, leading to a safer, more efficient working environment.
