Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a reservoir for long-term alcohol and drug markers by embedding biomarkers within the hairs as they grow. With a sample taken close to the scalp, the detection period for alcohol and other substances can extend up to approximately 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hair strands (which is comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If head hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used instead. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures that the sample is properly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry that an electronic chain of custody system may lack.
Screening is the initial assessment for possible drug use. Although screening serves as a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive screen needs court-admissible confirmation. Any sample showing a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original specimen is utilized for Extraction. During Extraction, drug residues are separated from hair at concentrations lower than those in methods like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening one of the more complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Preceding confirmation, all presumtively positive samples undergo washing when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Valentine, MT, surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. One of the major advantages is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can be evaded more easily, hair tests offer a hard-to-manipulate means of tracking drug use. This method gives employers a comprehensive insight into any substance use by employees, fostering a drug-free workplace environment.
Extended detection window is a significant benefit of hair follicle testing in Valentine, MT. Capable of identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days, these tests provide employers with detailed insight into an individual's substance use history. This long-term detection capability makes hair follicle testing a powerful tool in maintaining safe and productive work environments.
The tamper-resistant testing method offered by hair follicle analysis in Valentine, MT, greatly reduces adulteration risks. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples cannot be easily substituted or altered, ensuring reliable and trustworthy results. This aspect of hair testing provides assurance that results are genuine, supporting consistent drug policy enforcement.
The convenience of nationwide and local testing locations in Valentine, MT, ensures easy access to hair follicle testing. With numerous centers available, individuals and organizations can benefit from quick, hassle-free access to essential testing services. This widespread network supports seamless testing experiences regardless of location.
Valentine, MT, offers a simple, confidential process for hair follicle testing. The straightforward procedure for ordering, sampling, and receiving results prioritizes privacy, ensuring a user-friendly experience for participants. This dedication to confidentiality alleviates privacy concerns while providing reliable testing outcomes.
Competitive pricing combined with fast turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Valentine, MT, an excellent value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective pricing structure, ensuring that drug testing fits within budget constraints while maintaining top-quality service and speedy results.
In Valentine, MT, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method, renowned for its precision, can swiftly detect substance use, making it the preferred choice for many organizations. The high level of accuracy ensures that any presence of drugs is identified effectively, providing organizations with the trustworthy results needed to make informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Valentine, MT, ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers. Utilizing this method aligns with workplace drug-free initiatives, minimizes legal liabilities, and enhances overall workplace safety. Employers can confidently rely on the security and accuracy of hair tests to maintain a professional and compliant environment.
