Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, a hair sample can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A sample size of about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) measuring 1.5 inches from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be extracted. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair, while body hair signifies all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental phases in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial introduction of a sample into a lab’s protocol, verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any outstanding data entries that an electronic chain of custody system may lack.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use suspect in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples yielding presumptively positive results in Screening must undergo subsequent verification.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the primary specimen is prepared for Extraction. In this process, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those found in alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), adding complexity to hair drug screening.
The Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, in conjunction with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", this assay analyzes the hair strand itself, not the underneath scalp follicle.
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine tests in St. Ignatius, MT? The answer lies in its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying drug use compared to their more conventional urine counterparts.
Not only do these tests prevent common tampering issues, but they also provide a broader detection window, enhancing employer confidence in results.
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing in St. Ignatius, MT, is its extended detection capability. Drugs can be traced for up to 90 days, giving employers a comprehensive view of a candidate or employee's substance history.
This extended window is crucial for maintaining a safe and productive workplace, making hair testing a smart choice for ongoing screening.
Hair follicle tests in St. Ignatius, MT, are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other tests, the possibility of sample adulteration is significantly minimized.
This reliability provides employers with unquestionable results, creating peace of mind and ensuring the integrity of the testing process without the fear of manipulation.
Our testing centers are located all across the nation, including convenient locations in St. Ignatius, MT.
The process for hair follicle testing in St. Ignatius, MT, is both simple and confidential. This streamlined method addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of ordering, testing, and receiving results.
Such simplicity underlines our commitment to client confidentiality and satisfaction, making the experience as straightforward as possible.
In St. Ignatius, MT, our pricing structures for hair follicle testing are competitive, providing excellent value for businesses of any size. With a fast turnaround, companies benefit from knowing results are quickly and efficiently handled.
This ensures peace of mind, knowing testing will not disrupt workflow or budgets, reinforcing our commitment to quality and affordability.
Experiencing rapid and precise results is paramount, especially in St. Ignatius, MT. Hair follicle tests are known for their high accuracy in picking up substance usage. Speed and reliability characterize this method, ensuring minimal delay and maximum confidence in the results delivered.
Employers and individuals benefit from its swift processing, reinforcing its preference over other testing methods.
For employers in St. Ignatius, MT, the peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing cannot be overstated. This method ensures full compliance with zero-tolerance drug policies and mitigates legal risks.
By fostering a drug-free workplace, companies not only enhance safety but also uphold their reputation, correlating with increased employee productivity.
