Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shelby, MT

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized for its efficacy in detecting substance use. The hair shaft captures and retains biomarkers, offering a comprehensive timeline of alcohol or drug intake. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use extending back up to 90 days. Hair is straightforward to collect, resilient to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the girth of a standard #2 pencil) equates to 100mg, which is optimal for thorough screening and validation. For EtG tests or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can suffice. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other hair types, like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The drug testing laboratory undertakes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample enters the lab's system. Here, lab technicians ensure the sample's integrity, assign a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and perform additional data entry omitted by electronic custody systems.

Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. While this method offers an economical approach to identify drug use, a positive result necessitates further validation for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive at this stage move to a confirmatory step.

When Screening results are presumptively positive, extra hair is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drug substances from hair, which occurs at lower concentrations compared to other mediums like urine or saliva, making hair testing particularly challenging.

Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques verifies positive results. Samples undergo necessary washing before this definitive assessment. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can reveal drug use history up to three months, unlike shorter detection spans in urine tests.
• Resistance to falsification: Cheating a hair test is highly challenging, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Historical insight: Offers a drug use chronology over time, rather than just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs typically become traceable in hair only after 5-7 days.
• Higher cost: These tests generally incur higher expenses compared to other methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair coloration and individual differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though colloquially termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination pertains to the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shelby, MT
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests, the former offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing can uncover a wider range of substances over an extended period, providing more definitive insights into an individual's drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Shelby, MT
Hair follicle drug tests can trace substance use for up to 90 days, giving employers a thorough overview of an individual's drug history. This extended detection period helps reveal consistent patterns of usage over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shelby, MT
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle tests is their resilience against tampering. These tests significantly minimize the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy and indisputable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shelby, MT
With strategically positioned testing centers nationwide, we offer swift, uncomplicated access to our services, making the process hassle-free for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Shelby, MT
Our hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and private. From placing an order to taking the test and receiving results, every step guarantees confidentiality and ease of use, alleviating privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shelby, MT
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery offer excellent value. We ensure that businesses, regardless of size, can benefit from cost-effective testing solutions without sacrificing quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shelby, MT
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its precision and efficiency in detecting drug use. Its high degree of accuracy ensures that substance abuse is effectively identified, making it a dependable choice for individuals and organizations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shelby, MT
Employing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, lowering legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. It provides employers assurance in maintaining regulatory compliance.

Drug Testing Near Shelby, MT

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