Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Victor, MT

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have emerged as a robust technique for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extensive timeline for tracing alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When procured near the scalp, hair can yield an approximate 3-month detection span for substances. It is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and effortless to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil size) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable volume of body hair can be obtained. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four pivotal steps in the lab processing of drug test results encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of the sample within a laboratory system. This encompasses confirming the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity in Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirming any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, washed presumptive positive samples as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests present a shorter timeframe.
• Complexity in cheating: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, boosting result accuracy.
• Historical data provision: It reveals drug use patterns over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments typically incur higher costs compared to alternative methods.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth may impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In comparing hair and urine testing in Victor, MT, hair follicle testing stands out. It offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests are common, hair testing showcases advanced capabilities.

Extended Detection Window

The hair follicle test's extended detection window in Victor, MT allows it to identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This gives a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle testing method in Victor, MT is tamper-resistant. This reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain trusted and reliable.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide centers make testing accessible in Victor, MT. Convenience is assured through strategically placed facilities, simplifying the drug testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Victor, MT is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, clients enjoy privacy and ease, addressing common privacy concerns effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our services in Victor, MT offer exceptional value. Companies of various sizes benefit from competitive pricing and quick results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test offers swift and precise results in Victor, MT. Its technology ensures high accuracy, making it a reliable method for detecting substance use over time.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Victor, MT gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. It guarantees adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safer workplace.

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