Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant technique for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair provides a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately matching a #2 pencil’s diameter) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional elements, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" indicates any other types of hair (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Summary
The primary four processes in lab handling of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s framework. This covers confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any leftover data input absent in an electronic custody chain system.
Screening performs an introductory assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a budget-friendly mechanism to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive outcome requires Confirmation before judicial admissibility. Samples suspected as positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is detected as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this procedure, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to alternate methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring hair drug screening as the most challenging testing technique.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo a washing process prior to Confirmation, when necessary. The overall lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself concentrates on the hair strand rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Norris, MT
Hair testing outshines traditional urine tests with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to a short detection window, hair tests can reveal drug use spanning much longer periods, ensuring a thorough assessment of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Norris, MT
One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it provides employers with a broad view of an employee’s or applicant's drug history, thus assisting in the making of more informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Norris, MT
Hair follicle drug tests are highly resistant to tampering, offering reliable and indisputable results. The method makes it extremely challenging for individuals to alter the integrity of the sample, reinforcing the credibility of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Norris, MT
Our extensive network of testing centers provides easy and quick access to drug testing services across the country. This nationwide availability, including in Norris, MT, ensures a seamless process that is stress-free for individuals needing testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Norris, MT
Our hair follicle testing involves a straightforward and confidential process from ordering to result delivery. This method respects privacy while providing ease of use, addressing any concerns about the integrity and confidentiality of the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Norris, MT
We offer competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. Our services deliver excellent value, making them accessible and beneficial for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Norris, MT
Hair follicle drug tests provide quick and highly accurate results, making them a dependable choice for detecting drug use. This testing method offers precision that ensures that substance use is identified accurately, which is crucial for making informed decisions based on drug test outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Norris, MT
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace aids in ensuring adherence to drug-free policies. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are minimizing legal risks and promoting a safe and compliant working environment through rigorous testing.