Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as the hair develops. When obtained near the scalp, it offers roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it can be shipped with ease.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional substances, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable amount of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory handling of a drug evaluation involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This entails checking the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any absent information not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive screenings need confirmation to be permissible in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require secondary authentication.
If a result is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set up for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug testing one of the most intricate methodologies to conduct.
Confirming a positive screening outcome is achieved by employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed. The entire laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, excluding the follicle underneath the scalp.
The benefits of hair testing in Sanders, MT surpass the traditional urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. A hair follicle test can detect a wider range of substances whereas urine tests might miss recent drug intake. The comprehensive detection period of hair testing ensures a more complete analysis of potential substance abuse, making it a favored choice for more rigorous drug screening policies.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Sanders, MT. This comprehensive timeframe allows employers to gauge an individual’s long-term substance use, providing a detailed understanding of potential habits. Such extensive detection ensures that employers have a broader perspective on an applicant's or employee’s drug history, making informed decisions possible.
In Sanders, MT, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution to drug screening. The possibility of adulterating or manipulating a sample is significantly reduced. Unlike urine tests, which can be altered by simple methods, hair tests offer a reliable means of ensuring the results remain unquestionable and reflect true substance use.
Access to drug testing with our nationwide testing centers also extends to local facilities in Sanders, MT. This ensures quick, easy access to necessary tests, eliminating hassles for those who need them. Our convenient locations provide residents with the opportunity to conduct their tests without the burden of extensive travel, making the process smooth and efficient.
Our hair follicle testing process in Sanders, MT is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease. Individuals can undergo the testing process comfortably, knowing their data and privacy are safeguarded throughout.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services provide exceptional value in Sanders, MT. Companies can benefit from the affordability and efficiency of our services, ensuring they receive superior results without financial strain. This value proposition is ideal for companies of all sizes seeking cost-effective solutions.
Accurate and rapid results from hair follicle drug tests enhance the decision-making process in Sanders, MT. Precision is paramount in ensuring the veracity of these tests, assuring employers of the reliability of the results. Rapid processing means minimal downtime, allowing individuals and organizations to proceed without delay. Hair follicle testing stands out due to its robust detection capabilities, outperforming other methods.
For employers in Sanders, MT, incorporating hair follicle testing into their drug-free workplace policies ensures compliance with regulations and enhances workplace safety. This reliable testing method reduces legal risks and offers peace of mind. Employees and managers alike benefit from a clear and enforceable drug-free policy, maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
