Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by locking in biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection frame for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first incorporated into the laboratory’s system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample screens presumptively positive, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to execute.
Any positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as presumptive positive are washed as necessary before confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Pinnacle, MT, outshines traditional urine tests in several ways. Its unmatched detection accuracy offers employers peace of mind, confirming long-term substance use over months instead of weeks. Unlike urine tests, a hair test isn't easily deceived, making it a superior choice.
Employers in Pinnacle, MT, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This allows a comprehensive view of a person's substance use history, offering deeper insights than urine tests which cover a limited time span.
Hair follicle tests in Pinnacle, MT, offer a tamper-resistant method for drug testing. Their design significantly reduces adulteration risks, providing employers with reliable and irrefutable results, ensuring that the integrity of the test cannot be compromised.
Accredited Drug Testing provides accessible testing locations throughout Pinnacle, MT, and nationwide. The convenience of numerous centers ensures quick and hassle-free drug testing services for individuals and businesses alike.
In Pinnacle, MT, our hair follicle testing offers a straightforward and confidential process. From orders to results, we prioritize privacy at every step, providing users with an easy and secure testing experience.
In Pinnacle, MT, hair follicle testing provides competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. For businesses of all sizes, this affordable option ensures reliable results without compromising on speed or quality.
In Pinnacle, MT, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. They are not only fast but also remarkably accurate in detecting substance use. This method assures employers of reliable results, minimizing the risks of errors often associated with traditional methods.
In Pinnacle, MT, hair follicle tests ensure employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. This method protects both employer and employee interests by providing peace of mind.
