Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use due to the capture of biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it can reveal a detection span of up to approximately 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the preferred sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not obtainable, collecting a similar amount of body hair is an option. When referring to head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s system. This entails confirming the sample was sealed and transported properly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive Screen necessitates confirmation to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is removed from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, marking hair drug screening as the most complex methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is verified under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shepherd, MT
Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities over traditional urine tests by capturing substance use over a more extended timeframe, providing a more accurate overview of an individual's drug use history. They offer a robust alternative favored by many businesses and legal systems due to their reliability and accuracy in detecting a wide range of substances.
Extended Detection Window in Shepherd, MT
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle testing examines drug use within the past 90 days. This extended timeframe allows employers to view a more detailed history of substance use, offering insights into patterns that shorter detection windows may miss. It provides a comprehensive assessment tool, ideal for making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shepherd, MT
The nature of hair follicle testing reduces the risk of tampering, as the collected samples undergo strict observation and processing. This ensures integrity and reliability, giving it an edge over urine tests that could be susceptible to manipulation, thus providing credibility in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Shepherd, MT
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to drug testing services across the nation. For local residents of Shepherd, MT, this means quick and hassle-free testing, eliminating the stress of traveling long distances to fulfill testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shepherd, MT
Our procedure for ordering, collecting, and receiving hair follicle test results is both simple and confidential. Designed to respect privacy and ensure user-friendly access, it caters to individual and organizational needs, providing peace of mind and streamlined service delivery.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shepherd, MT
Our competitive pricing combined with a rapid turnaround time ensures exceptional value while keeping costs affordable. Companies of various sizes benefit from this advantageous combination, attaining peace of mind alongside swift and economically viable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shepherd, MT
Hair follicle drug tests boast unparalleled precision and speed, ensuring high accuracy in the detection of substance abuse. The advanced technology employed in these tests provides rapid and reliable results, making them an invaluable tool for employers and legal authorities in Shepherd, MT, seeking quick and definitive drug testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shepherd, MT
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free policies and mitigate legal risks. It promotes a safe working environment and provides assurance that team members adhere to company standards, thus enhancing overall workplace security and peace of mind.
