Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Unlike other samples, hair captures a lengthy history of substance use by storing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and substances. It is straightforward to obtain, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple to mail.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the suitable amount for analysis and verification. For specific tests like EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It is beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses facial, axillary, and other body areas.
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis in drug testing involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the foundational processing of samples within a lab's system. This entails ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input excluded by electronic custody systems.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for illicit substance detection. Although cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive result from Screening requires further confirmation for legal validation. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
Once a positive result in Screening is suggested, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at a considerably reduced concentration compared to other methods like urine or oral fluids; hence, hair drug testing is the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of positive results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive hairs are cleansed before verification as necessary. The comprehensive lab stages from Accessioning to Confirmation are scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself and not the root beneath the scalp
In Raymond, MT, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, offering heightened detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are not just about longer detection windows; they ensure a comprehensive analysis that urine tests can't match, especially for historical substance use. Employers and agencies benefit from this precision.
One key advantage of hair follicle testing in Raymond, MT, is its ability to reveal drug usage history over an extended period—up to 90 days. This expansive detection window provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an individual's past substance use, proving invaluable for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Raymond, MT, provide a significant advantage with their tamper-resistant nature. Samples collected for hair testing are less likely to be adulterated, offering results that remain credible and trustworthy. This ensures that the integrity of the test results is maintained throughout the process.
In Raymond, MT, the convenience of having nationwide testing centers is undeniable. Our extensive network ensures easy and prompt access to hair follicle testing services, making the entire process quick and hassle-free for all clients searching for reliable testing in their vicinity.
Our hair follicle testing process in Raymond, MT, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, clients experience a process that respects privacy while being user-friendly. Concerns about discretion and simplicity are thoroughly addressed at each step.
Raymond, MT companies benefit from affordable hair follicle testing with swift turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures deliver exceptional value, ensuring even small businesses can access reputable testing, providing peace of mind and efficiency when addressing substance use concerns.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle testing in Raymond, MT, are unparalleled. Hair tests quickly determine substance use, boasting high levels of precision. This method provides results that are both fast and reliable, ensuring an accurate analysis that employers can trust when making critical decisions.
For Raymond, MT employers, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, providing organizations with confidence in maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
