Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its growth. When collected near the scalp, it can yield a detection window for substances of up to 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For additional EtG testing and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weight measurement is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent mass of body hair is an alternative. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main stages in laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with introducing the sample into a laboratory’s framework. It includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective measure to dismiss drug usage in most samples, confirmation is necessary for legal acceptability of positive results. Any samples shown to be presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening proves most challenging.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples identified as presumptively positive are washed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although oftentimes called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Riverbend, MT outshines traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. With an extended detection window, it unveils a comprehensive history of substance use, setting it apart from the often-limited urine test in tracking recent drug consumption.
In Riverbend, MT, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days, providing a more thorough account of an individual’s drug use. This longer window offers employers a panoramic view of an applicant or employee’s substance history, promoting diligent hiring practices.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Riverbend, MT substantially minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring the integrity of results. This method’s design protects against adulteration, providing employers and individuals with trustworthy and unquestionable testing outcomes.
With convenient locations nationwide, including in Riverbend, MT, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and easy. This network of testing centers provides hassle-free access, ensuring immediate and efficient service for all testing needs.
Hair follicle testing in Riverbend, MT ensures a simple and confidential process. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the process prioritizes privacy and ease, addressing any concerns individuals may have regarding confidentiality and usage.
Riverbend, MT boasts affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing, offering excellent value for companies of all sizes. This service is designed to provide both economical solutions and peace of mind, meeting diverse organizational needs efficiently.
Hair follicle drug tests in Riverbend, MT offer unmatched precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests provide fast and accurate results, ensuring clients receive reliable information quickly. Their high accuracy rate makes it a preferred choice for individuals and companies endeavoring to maintain effective drug policies
Reliance on hair follicle testing in Riverbend, MT aligns with workplace drug-free policies and ensures employers’ compliance, enhancing legal peace and workplace safety. This method’s reliability helps reduce potential legal risks and fosters an environment of safety and trust at work.