Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. In the context of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the first processing stage of a sample within a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any needed data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening makes an initial, efficient examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to hold in a legal context. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening need secondary confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower levels than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any Screening positivity is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed in light of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Pompeys Pillar, MT, hair follicle testing stands head and shoulders above traditional urine testing. The benefits are clear: superior detection accuracy and longer windows of detection make hair tests incredibly reliable. When comparing the two, hair testing consistently demonstrates a more comprehensive overview of substance use history, reinforcing its advantages.
Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled extended detection window in Pompeys Pillar, MT. With the ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days, this method provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, thereby assisting in making more informed employment decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Pompeys Pillar, MT, significantly minimizes the likelihood of sample manipulation. This ensures that results are both reliable and trustworthy, offering assurance in cases where test integrity is vital.
With testing centers located nationwide, including those in Pompeys Pillar, MT, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been more convenient. Our widespread network ensures rapid, accessible, and headache-free testing, meeting the needs of clients efficiently.
In Pompeys Pillar, MT, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, ensuring user privacy while maintaining ease of use. From placing an order to receiving results, the process is designed to be as stress-free and secure as possible.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times characterize our hair follicle testing in Pompeys Pillar, MT. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions, which offer outstanding value and timely results, contributing to the peace of mind for all our clients.
The efficiency and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Pompeys Pillar, MT, are unmatched. These tests are proficient in detecting substance use with remarkable precision. The swift process guarantees that results are fast-tracked without compromising on quality, making hair testing an optimal choice for accurate and reliable results.
Employers in Pompeys Pillar, MT, benefit from hair follicle testing through enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, providing peace of mind for businesses striving to maintain productive and safe work environments.
