Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-standing history of alcohol and drug exposure by absorbing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair can deliver an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment from approximately 200 hair strands (around the same size as a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested that the specimen be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. In this context, "head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing entails four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift assessment for abusive drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive finding necessitates confirmation for court acceptance. Any samples with preliminary positive results in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformity with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is performed on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Old Agency, MT, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy. The hair test's ability to capture substance use history beyond the typical scope of urine testing makes it an invaluable tool.
Employers and legal entities benefit from the reliability of hair testing, which offers a consistent and cheat-resistant detection method, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies.
Hair follicle testing in Old Agency, MT provides a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This comprehensive view of an individual's substance history aids employers in making informed decisions.
The prolonged detection period ensures that ongoing substance use is identified, unlike traditional testing methods limited to shorter windows.
Old Agency, MT's hair follicle tests are lauded for their tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain reliable and credible.
The integrity of hair testing surpasses traditional methods, offering organizations confidence in the authenticity of their drug testing processes.
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers, including those in Old Agency, MT, offers seamless access to testing services. Our strategic locations ensure a swift, straightforward experience.
With testing centers readily available, individuals and companies can easily obtain necessary drug testing without unnecessary delays, reinforcing commitment to health and safety.
In Old Agency, MT, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Simplified ordering, testing, and result-gathering procedures put privacy and ease of use at the forefront.
Confidential handling of personal information and test outcomes reassures individuals and organizations, ensuring a stress-free testing experience.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Old Agency, MT. Our cost-effective structures provide outstanding value for companies of varying sizes.
The swift processing of results, coupled with affordable testing options, makes hair follicle testing a practical choice for maintaining workplace standards without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug tests in Old Agency, MT are renowned for their rapid and precise results. The test's high accuracy in identifying substance use ensures reliable outcomes for individuals and organizations alike.
With expedited processing times, hair tests provide fast and dependable results, essential for time-sensitive decisions. The method's precision minimizes errors, offering consistent trustworthiness.
In Old Agency, MT, the adoption of hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks while enhancing overall safety.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their drug testing processes are comprehensive and compliant, bolstering a secure and productive work environment.
