Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. It maintains a chronological record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand during its development. When retrieved close to the head, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5-inch with around 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, supplemental, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This comprises confirming that the sample was properly sealed and forwarded, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplemental data input not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary expedited assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical means to discount drug consumption for most samples, a positive finding necessitates confirmation for courtroom acceptability. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
In samples showing a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a highly diluted concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most intricate technique to perform.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are rinsed before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although customarily termed "hair follicle tests," the examination itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Saint Mary, MT, proves superior to traditional urine testing by offering enhanced accuracy and dependability. It provides a more extended detection period for drug use, capturing a broader spectrum of substance history. Unlike urine tests, hair testing is nearly impossible to manipulate, offering employers and stakeholders a trustworthy solution.
In Saint Mary, MT, hair follicle testing is recognized for its capacity to detect drug use over a 90-day period. This extended detection window allows employers to obtain a comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance history. It offers an unparalleled tool for assessing drug use history beyond the capabilities of typical tests, providing significant insights.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Saint Mary, MT, ensures a robust defense against sample tampering. This method drastically reduces the chance of adulteration, offering unassailable results. Its resistance to manipulation makes it a preferred option for entities needing reliable and decisive outcomes, reinforcing trust in testing practices.
The availability of hair follicle testing centers nationwide, including in Saint Mary, MT, provides unparalleled convenience. Our facilities enable quick, straightforward access to drug testing services. With numerous locations, clients can easily find and utilize testing sites, reducing time and effort in obtaining these critical services.
In Saint Mary, MT, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, designed to alleviate privacy concerns and ensure ease. The procedure for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results is streamlined, making it accessible and discreet. This discretion and simplicity make the process user-friendly for all clients.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our Saint Mary, MT, hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. The competitive pricing structures combined with efficient service ensure peace of mind for businesses regardless of size. These cost-effective solutions do not compromise on the quality or rapid delivery of results.
The hair follicle drug tests conducted in Saint Mary, MT, are known for being fast, accurate, and reliable. The precision in identifying substance use is unparalleled, offering high validity in results. Clients benefit from the quick process, ensuring timely access to critical information. This method stands out due to its thorough and efficient testing, providing assurance through meticulous detection.
Opting for hair follicle drug testing in Saint Mary, MT, aids employers in maintaining adherence to drug-free workplace policies, which can mitigate legal risks and bolster safety. This reliable testing method affords businesses peace of mind, knowing they are fulfilling compliance requirements and supporting a secure and healthy work environment.
