What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an essential method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of an emerging hair strand, hair delivers an extended overview of alcohol and other drug intake. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal roughly up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to ship.

A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the ideal portion for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is advisable. We recommend weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair. 'Body hair' encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for handling a drug test result encompasses four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning deals with the preliminary handling of a sample within the lab's framework. This step verifies the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills out any extra data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a swift preliminary assessment for drug misuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly way to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a confirmed result is necessary to present in court. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and processed for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at a lower concentration level compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis a particularly complex process.

Confirmation of a positive Screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation, as needed. The entire testing cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Long detection range: Hair drug tests can determine drug usage for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which feature a more limited detection span.
Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is quite challenging, enhancing the accuracy of results.
Shows historical data: It supplies a pattern of substance use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become observable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly compared to other drug testing approaches.
Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual growth variation can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Despite common references as "hair follicle tests," this test actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle situated under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In North of the Yellowstone, MT, hair testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests.

Superior detection accuracy provides definitive evidence of drug use.
The reliability of results ensures that employers receive trustworthy data.
Extended detection window outshines the limited period of urine testing.

Employers benefit from adopting such a comprehensive approach for screenings.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window
In North of the Yellowstone, MT, hair follicle tests can identify drug usage over a span of up to 90 days.

Provides a comprehensive view of substance histories.
Enables employers to make informed hiring decisions.
Outperforms shorter detection windows like urine tests.

This long-lasting detection capability is highly beneficial for workplace screenings.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in North of the Yellowstone, MT, drastically reduce sample tampering risks.

Reliable and unquestionable results are produced.
Observed collection further enforces sample integrity.
Tamper-resistant methods bolster confidence in outcomes.

This ensures the authenticity of the sample and its results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Testing centers across North of the Yellowstone, MT, offer seamless access to services.

Nationwide presence guarantees easy and hassle-free testing.
Local centers minimize travel needs and expedite schedules.
Quick access promotes efficient drug testing processes.

This convenience benefits individuals and organizations alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process
In North of the Yellowstone, MT, ordering and obtaining test results remain simple and private.

The process ensures confidentiality at all stages.
Ease of use alleviates privacy concerns.
Streamlined handling from ordering to results reception.

Customers are assured of clear, confidential, and hassle-free services throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In North of the Yellowstone, MT, competitive pricing pairs with rapid processing.

Offers excellent value for companies of all sizes.
Fast turnaround times expedite decision-making.
Affordable fees lower budgetary concerns for organizations.

This approach reinforces cost-effective and speedy service without sacrificing quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Hair follicle drug tests in North of the Yellowstone, MT, are known for their precision and swiftness.

High accuracy rates ensure confidence in results.
Quick processing leads to faster decision-making for employers.
Advanced detection technology enhances reliability further.

These factors contribute to an efficient and accurate testing process.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In North of the Yellowstone, MT, hair follicle testing assures employers of compliance with drug-free policies.