Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by storing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to gather 150mg of the specimen. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen weight. In cases where scalp hair is missing, an equivalent volume of body hair may be obtained. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the laboratory's processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample in a laboratory's system. The procedure includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening refers to an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient strategy for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that yield presumptively positive results during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When evaluating drug testing methods in Suffolk, MT, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. The extended detection window offered by hair analysis makes it more reliable, capturing a longer history of substance use. Employers and authorities prefer hair testing for its precision and ability to identify drug use over months, not weeks.
In Suffolk, MT, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This broad timeframe provides a detailed view of an individual's substance history, far exceeding the typical reach of urine tests. It equips employers with crucial insights into an applicant’s lifestyle, helping make informed hiring and monitoring decisions for ongoing safety and compliance.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Suffolk, MT significantly lowers the chance of sample manipulation. Due to the nature of hair testing, it is exceedingly difficult for individuals to alter or adulterate the sample, ensuring that test results are both reliable and unquestionable. This adds a layer of trust and security to the testing process for all parties involved.
Our testing operations in Suffolk, MT, are complemented by our nationwide centers, making access to services convenient and straightforward. Whether a local or national test is needed, you can rely on our vast network for quick, hassle-free testing experiences, ensuring that your testing needs are met efficiently, no matter where you are located.
We ensure a simple, confidential process for drug testing in Suffolk, MT. The entire procedure, from ordering to receiving results, is designed to respect privacy and simplify use. Clients can trust in a discreet, efficient protocol that guarantees confidentiality while addressing any concerns individuals may have regarding privacy and ease of process handling.
In Suffolk, MT, our affordable pricing models and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. We are committed to providing value through competitive cost structures paired with quick results, ensuring companies can conduct their drug testing economically without compromising on quality or efficiency.
The efficacy of hair follicle drug testing in Suffolk, MT is unmatched when it comes to delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method ensures high precision due to its ability to detect traces of substance use over an extended timeframe. Results are typically available swiftly, providing critical data to employers, legal entities, and individuals seeking assurance of substance-free practices.
For employers in Suffolk, MT, utilizing hair follicle testing upholds compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal challenges and enhancing overall safety. This testing method offers peace of mind through its reliable detection and deterrents, contributing to maintaining a safe and productive work environment by adhering to stringent policy standards.
