Hair Follicle Drug Testing - West Yellowstone, MT

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It captures a lengthy history of substance consumption by embedding markers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal evidence of alcohol and drugs for as long as a three-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches with around 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for assessment and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar volume of body hair can be utilized. Reference to head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. This step checks whether the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a rapid initial test for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical solution to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be affirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with provisional positive results in Screening require additional confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is among the most challenging techniques to perform.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as much as 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to falsify: It is notably challenging to falsify a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Displays historical usage: It offers a timeline of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to show up in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other testing methods.
• Result discrepancies: Elements such as hair color and differences in individual hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: While often described as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In West Yellowstone, MT, hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability by covering an extended history of substance use, unlike urine tests which are more transient.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, up to 90 days, allowing employers in West Yellowstone to gain a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history. This long-term insight aids in making informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chances of sample adulteration, making them a reliable method for substance detection in West Yellowstone. Their tamper-resistant nature ensures valid and unquestionable test outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

For those in West Yellowstone, MT, the accessibility of nationwide testing centers ensures that obtaining a drug test is both convenient and hassle-free. Our widespread locations allow for quick and easy access to testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle test in West Yellowstone, MT is designed to be simple and private, addressing any privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use throughout the testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

West Yellowstone companies benefit from competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing, offering exceptional value while mitigating wait times for results. This provides peace of mind without compromising on cost.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them the preferred choice for detecting substance use in West Yellowstone, MT. These tests are highly accurate in uncovering drug history, offering swift results and comprehensive substance detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in West Yellowstone can benefit from compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, this testing method diminishes legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.

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