Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, relatively immune to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those over 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial entry of a specimen into a lab's system, involving verification of proper sealing and shipping, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that yield presumptive positive results in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lesser concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine tests in Sweet Grass, MT offers numerous advantages. Hair analysis is recognized for its superior precision in identifying past drug use, giving a clearer picture of an individual's substance habits.
Compared to urine testing, hair testing excels in accuracy, making it a more reliable choice for employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of a person's drug-related behavior, minimizing chances of false negatives.
Hair follicle testing in Sweet Grass, MT stands out for its extensive detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, far surpassing urine tests’ shorter time frame.
This extended period allows employers to gain a full view of a person’s long-term substance habits, which is critical in making informed hiring and management decisions, aligning closely with workplace policies.
Considerably lowering the risk of sample tampering, hair follicle tests in Sweet Grass, MT ensure highly dependable results, addressing common issues of adulteration prevalent in some testing methods.
This tamper-resistant nature makes hair testing an ideal choice for employers who need unquestionable assurance in their drug testing protocols, fostering trust in the results obtained.
Convenience in accessing testing services is assured with our nationwide centers, including those in Sweet Grass, MT. Enjoy prompt and straightforward service, as our locations are well-equipped to handle your testing needs.
Our accessible testing sites provide hassle-free options for employers and individuals seeking reliable and efficient drug testing solutions, wherever they might be located.
In Sweet Grass, MT, our testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to completion and receiving results, the process emphasizes ease and privacy, addressing all user concerns effectively.
Ensuring discreet procedures and customer convenience, our hair follicle testing stands out as a hassle-free solution, prioritizing confidential handling throughout the entire process.
With competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, hair follicle testing in Sweet Grass, MT offers excellent value for businesses of all scales. Our services promise cost-effective choices without compromising on quality.
Aiming for affordability and swift turnaround, our tests attract employers by delivering precise results, allowing for confident decision-making, thereby enhancing organizational efficiency economically.
In Sweet Grass, MT, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and precise outcomes, outperforming traditional methods. Their ability to accurately reflect substance use history ensures that results are trusted and reported efficiently.
Hair testing leads with its speedy yet detailed analytical capabilities, making it the preferred choice for detecting drug usage when time and accuracy are crucial considerations. This aids in effective decision-making processes.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Sweet Grass, MT helps companies comply with drug-free policies, offering reassurance in maintaining a safe work environment.
Employers benefit from reduced legal exposure and strengthened workplace safety through hair testing, as it aligns with stringent compliance requirements, supporting a secure and productive workplace culture.
