Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has become recognized as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged historical record of alcohol and other substances by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, deemed the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is optimal. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair may be acquired. In discussing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair alone. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages engaged in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the introductory processing of a specimen into a laboratory’s framework. This entails confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched properly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use on the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that appear presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a supplementary confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed 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: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle below the scalp
When comparing hair testing to urine testing in Thompson Falls, MT, hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests which capture recent substance use, hair tests offer a much extended detection window, making them more reliable for chronic usage analysis.
Employers opting for hair tests in Thompson Falls benefit from a more comprehensive review of substance use. The hair test’s robustness and accuracy mean it is less prone to tampering, ensuring results that employers can trust, thus supporting a safer workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Thompson Falls, MT, stands out due to its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, these tests offer a thorough overview of an individual's substance use history. This extended period enables employers to have a broader understanding of applicants’ or employees’ engagement with substances.
Such tests provide a detailed history rather than a snapshot of recent use, allowing for informed decisions. Employers in Thompson Falls can ensure higher levels of workplace safety by implementing hair testing as part of their screening processes.
The tamper-resistant qualities of hair follicle testing in Thompson Falls, MT, significantly reduce the risk of sample manipulation. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests are almost immune to deceitful tactics, ensuring results remain genuine and trustworthy.
This method provides peace of mind for employers, knowing that the samples have not been compromised. The integrity and reliability of hair follicle tests instill confidence amongst those tasked with making critical employment decisions.
Providing convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Thompson Falls, MT, our centers ensure easy access to our services. With facilities across the country, accessing hair follicle drug testing is straightforward, enhancing convenience for employers and individuals alike.
Clients benefit from quick and straightforward service, reducing delays in waiting for critical drug test results. Whether for employment, legal, or personal reasons, our wide network ensures that testing is performed efficiently and effectively.
Performing hair follicle tests in Thompson Falls, MT, involves a simple, confidential process, ensuring an easy experience for all clients. The procedure for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results is streamlined to address privacy concerns while maintaining efficiency.
From start to finish, the process remains discreet and uncomplicated, allowing clients to engage simply with our services with assurance in the confidentiality of their personal information.
In Thompson Falls, MT, we offer affordable pricing with fast turnaround on hair follicle tests, ensuring our services remain accessible to companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value for comprehensive and accurate test results.
Quick return times further enhance the value we provide, allowing businesses to make timely decisions without compromising on the quality of the test outcomes. This balance of cost-efficiency and prompt service delivery forms a crucial part of our offering.
In Thompson Falls, MT, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests provide precise identification of substance use, ensuring highly dependable outcomes. This method's precision ensures that individuals' substance histories are evaluated thoroughly, offering reliable data that is difficult to contest.
The use of advanced technology in hair follicle tests guarantees quick results, making them a preferred option for those requiring timely and trustworthy analysis. Hair tests eliminate uncertainties, delivering results swiftly and efficiently, letting employers in Thompson Falls, MT make well-informed decisions.
For employers in Thompson Falls, MT, hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies is crucial, and hair tests help ensure compliance, reducing potential legal challenges and enhancing overall safety in the working environment.
By facilitating a drug-free workplace, hair testing supports maintaining a productive and secure atmosphere for all employees, enabling businesses to operate efficiently while minimizing legal liabilities related to substance use.
