Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a significant technique for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair may offer an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of around 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is recommended. It is advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, the same amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Even though Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result in screening needs validation to be accepted in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening step, more hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory routine from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Tarkio, MT, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing methods. Employers and authorities witness superior detection accuracy and dependability, making it the method of choice for maintaining workplace integrity. The benefits of hair testing include:
One vital advantage of hair follicle testing in Tarkio, MT is its extended detection window. While most testing methods capture recent usage, hair tests offer the unique ability to detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive snapshot of an individual's substance history provides valuable insights to employers and authorities seeking to ensure a drug-free environment.
In Tarkio, MT, the chance of tampering with test results is a critical concern that hair follicle testing addresses. Through a tamper-resistant method, the likelihood of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring unquestionable outcomes.
Convenience is essential in Tarkio, MT, where nationwide testing locations allow for easy access to hair follicle testing services. With local and nationwide coverage, finding a nearby testing center is a seamless experience, characterized by:
In Tarkio, MT, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receipt of results, every step ensures privacy protection and ease of use. The straightforward nature of the process includes:
With affordable pricing and rapid turnaround, hair follicle testing in Tarkio, MT is both cost-effective and timely. Our competitive rates offer excellent value, aligning quality and speed with affordability. Key advantages include:
The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Tarkio, MT cannot be overstated. Offering fast, accurate, and reliable results, these tests give clear insights into substance use, ensuring dependable outcomes for decision-makers.
Employers in Tarkio, MT find peace of mind through hair follicle testing's compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By opting for this method, businesses enhance safety and reduce legal and operational risks, fostering a healthier workplace environment. The benefits of compliance include:
