Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential method for identifying substance use, capturing a historical record of drug and alcohol markers within the growing hair's fibers. By collecting hair from near the scalp, it is possible to trace drug and alcohol use up to almost three months. This type of sample is straightforward to obtain, relatively immune to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, perfect for screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional analyses, and tests over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferred. Using a jeweler's scale to measure is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" signifies scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as an initial examination for drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be legally viable. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from the hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," this test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Waltham, MT, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which provide a limited detection window, hair tests unveil a detailed history of drug use spanning up to 90 days.
Employers and professionals dealing with substance abuse value hair tests for their unmatched ability to detect long-term patterns of use, making them critical in scenarios where sustained sobriety needs to be validated.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, allowing it to uncover drug or substance use for up to 90 days in Waltham, MT. This benefit is particularly advantageous for employers seeking an in-depth view of an individual's substance habits.
The extensive detection period gives employers a comprehensive understanding of their employees’ or applicants’ drug use histories, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering a safer workplace environment.
In Waltham, MT, hair follicle tests diminish tampering risks, providing unquestionable results. The method's resilience to adulteration offers peace of mind when accurate outcomes are critical.
Compared to urine tests, hair samples are nearly impossible to alter or substitute, ensuring trusted results. This integrity makes hair testing an invaluable tool for those enforcing strict substance policies.
Offering convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Waltham, MT, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy, fast, and stress-free access to services. Our extensive network of centers across the country guarantees that no matter where you are, a qualified testing facility is within reach.
This expansive presence simplifies the logistics of obtaining tests, catering to both individual and organizational needs with efficiency and reliability.
In Waltham, MT, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, addressing privacy and ease-of-use concerns. The ordering, testing, and results stages are streamlined to ensure client comfort.
Confidentiality is our priority, assuring clients that their information remains secure. This approach removes barriers that might deter individuals from taking the test, making the experience seamless and reassuring.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and rapid result times in Waltham, MT, providing excellent value no matter the organization's size. Competitive pricing structures ensure accessibility without sacrificing quality.
The quick turnaround time for results further enhances this value, as stakeholders receive timely information crucial for making informed decisions, reinforcing their trust in the testing service.
When searching for fast, accurate, and reliable drug testing solutions in Waltham, MT, hair follicle tests stand out. These tests are renowned for their precision in detecting drug use. The accuracy rate in identifying substances is significantly higher than traditional methods, making them ideal for users seeking quick and definite results.
The speed at which test results are generated is another significant benefit. With a streamlined process, individuals and organizations can receive their results swiftly, ensuring that decisions can be made without delay. This promptness is crucial for time-sensitive situations, making hair tests a favored choice.
Ensuring compliance and securing peace of mind for employers in Waltham, MT is paramount. Hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal concerns and promoting safety.
By choosing hair tests, employers gain confidence in their hiring and monitoring processes, as the tests bolster efforts to maintain a drug-free environment, enhancing the overall workplace atmosphere for everyone.
