Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are now considered an effective resource for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers, hair provides an extended history of alcohol and other drugs. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for a period of up to roughly three months. It is easy to collect, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, akin to the circumference of a #2 pencil, will produce 200 hair strands or 100mg—the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above ten, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes for a drug test result are composed of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This stage covers checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a swift initial evaluation for substance abuse. Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most cases, but a positive outcome must be validated for court validity. Samples flagged as presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a confirmatory procedure.
For samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug screening presents the greatest challenge.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washes before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although typically called "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand that is analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels over urine tests in Portage, MT lies in its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair testing provides a broader detection window, covering up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter span.
Hair tests reduce the risk of tampering and offer greater assurance of accuracy, making them a preferred choice for many employers and legal entities committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Portage, MT is a key advantage, offering insights into drug use over a 90-day period. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use history.
With hair testing, organizations can make informed decisions based on a much lengthier assessment period, ensuring a thorough evaluation of an individual's drug use behavior.
Reducing the Risk of Tampering is a notable benefit of hair follicle testing in Portage, MT. Unlike other methods, hair tests significantly minimize sample adulteration, delivering results that stakeholders can trust.
The meticulous collection process and the nature of hair samples make these tests reliable and robust, providing confidence in the test outcomes and ensuring fairness in drug testing practices.
Accessible Testing Locations nationwide, including in Portage, MT, ensure that our drug test services are convenient for everyone. With numerous centers nationwide, testing becomes a hassle-free experience.
Clients can quickly find testing facilities nearby, streamlining the process and allowing individuals and organizations prompt access to essential drug testing services.
The process of hair follicle testing in Portage, MT is both simple and confidential. Our streamlined procedures for ordering, taking, and receiving results prioritize privacy and ease of use for all clients.
Our dedication to a confidential service assures clients of their privacy, making it an appealing option for organizations and individuals seeking discrete drug testing solutions.
Competitive Pricing and quick turnaround times characterize our hair follicle testing services in Portage, MT. We deliver excellent value, offering budget-friendly solutions for companies of any size.
By ensuring swift and cost-effective testing services, we provide businesses with peace of mind, knowing they receive high-quality assessments without breaking the bank.
Fast and Accurate Results are a hallmark of hair follicle drug testing in Portage, MT. By utilizing state-of-the-art methods, these tests deliver swift and precise assessments, reliably detecting substance use with high accuracy.
What sets hair follicle testing apart is its efficiency in processing samples, ensuring that detection of drugs is both accurate and timely. This attribute is particularly beneficial for employers seeking reliable and prompt drug screening solutions.
Compliance Assurance with workplace drug-free policies is achievable with hair follicle testing in Portage, MT. It mitigates legal risks, enhancing workplace safety while ensuring adherence to corporate policies.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are utilizing a test method that supports their commitment to maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace, effectively upholding regulatory standards.
